DeAnne Stidham Instagram – Mark Alan Stidham 9/11/57 – 9/25/25
I call him dad, even though he’s my step dad, I never felt that way. He has been in my life as long as my late dad was. My children know him as grandpa (when they were little they pronounced it “crappah” and he always laughed about that), and my mom called him her favorite person. I remember when he asked my mom to marry her I prayed with all my heart that I would be able to learn to love him (divorce is hard) because I knew how much she loved him. I am so grateful that God answered my prayers and I was able to grow a love for Mark that only a daughter could have for a father.
I once attended a wedding where the bride said that her step dad was her “step-UP dad” because he had made such a positive influence in her life. I like to think of Mark that way for me, my STEP-UP dad. He loved my siblings and me the best way he knew how, he took on 7 extra kids, worked hard to provide for us, and he co-created a legacy with my mom (& with God) that will leave a MARK for decades to come.
I visited him in the hospital last week & when I hugged him he whispered in my ear with great effort, “you know you’re not my step daughter right? I love you.” I felt the sincerity and heart in that expression from him. Dad, I love you, YOU are my step-UP dad, a father in every sense of the word, a calling you didn’t take lightly and for that I am forever grateful.
On 9/25/25 at 3:36AM Mark took his last breath surrounded by his children and DeAnne by his side. It was peaceful and calm. The room was filled with the spirit and love. I know Mark faced his cancer with great courage and fought valiantly to extend his life, especially for my mom.
**Continued in comments. | Posted on 29/Sep/2025 04:49:24
