Marcus Bret Martin (Harris) was born May 2, 1958, at St. Lukes Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin from the union of James Harris and Byrdella (Webb-Martin) Harris          . `

Marcus attended Washington Park High School where he participated in his favorite sport, basketball. He was a pretty good ball player, a proud panther and 1976 bicentennial graduate.  He also participated in local business sponsored softball teams where he and his teammates captured many days of joy.

His mother once shared that all the running he was doing playing sports, it was a wonder at one point that he was ever going to walk. She went on to share that she had taken Mark to the doctor, because he was not walking as her other children had. The doctor reported after examination that his legs were perfectly fine, and he would walk when he got ready. Sure, enough his mother shared that one day the family was laughing and talking in another part of the house when she noticed Mark hanging on to the wall taking small steps to see what was going on. She was so happy, relieved and he has been running ever since.

Although not much of a dancer, Mark loved music. Earth, Wind & Fire, The Spinners, Sly and the Family Stone were a few of his favorites and let's not forget those jalapeno poppers he enjoyed!

Mark continued his education by attending the University of WI-Parkside for one year studying blue printing. This training opened job opportunities at Western Publishing Company (the creator of Little Golden Books) and Arvato Bertelsmann.

Marcus had a gentle heart and a gentle spirit. He was the type of man that would help you out if he could. Marcus had his share of ups and downs and took responsibility over his own life. One of his last posts he shared on Facebook read:

"My past is what I've been through, it's not who I am.

It has helped to mold me. But it doesn't define me"

Marcus transitioned to join our ancestors on Friday October 14, 2022. He was 64 years young. Marcus was preceded in death by his parents James and Byrdella Harris, his sisters Melba June Jackson, Saundra Lee (Martin) Bell, and his brother James Luther Martin.

He leaves to cherish his time spent on earth, his brother Gary Allen Martin of Racine, WI, his sister Kendall Lynn Martin of Toledo, OH, his only son Keshaire (Jennifer) Simpson and grandchildren Amya Simpson and Jordan Simpson of Racine, WI.

He will also be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews: Gregory (Marilyn) Jackson of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Scott M Jackson of Dallas, TX, Andrea (Paul) Bell-Myers of Racine, WI, Yvette (Thomas) Anderson also of Racine, WI, David K. Martin of Madison, WI. Marcus will also be missed by many other great nieces and nephews, cousins, family members and friends and a special and close friend Justine Terry.

Service Details

A Homegoing memorial service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday from 12 O'clock Noon until the time of the service.