Mark Camarena, 56, of Vine Grove, KY went to be with his Lord on August 25, 2024 surrounded by his family.  Born on May 23, 1968 in Hayward, CA, he was the son of Dolor and Elodia Camarena.  After graduating with the class of 1990 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mark was commissioned into the Army and served for 20 years.  While on active duty, he served at Fort Knox, Fort Riley, and Fort Leavenworth, with deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Germany.  Mark earned numerous awards and recognitions for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/Campaign Star), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (5), and the Army Achievement Medal (3), as well as many other defense decorations. He graduated from the Army Command General Staff College, and earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.  Mark retired from the Army in 2010 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He continued his service to the nation as an Army civilian, working first as an instructor at the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. Upon his return to Fort Knox, he served as a Strategic Planner with the U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs Office, then later with the USACC G5 Commander’s Initiative Group, where he worked until his death.

In addition to his military service, Mark was an active volunteer for the Boy Scouts with his son’s Boy Scout Troop, and for the Leavenworth High School band. Both he and Joshua enjoyed the Scouts outdoor activities and the other parent volunteers enjoyed his tasty meals cooked with his much-used cast iron skillets.  Mark was a member of Saint Christopher Parish in Radcliff, Ky. He will be missed by his family and friends for his humor, hospitality and great tamales.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette, son Joshua, and his brothers and sisters: Mary Hittle (husband, Gerald); Margaret; Martha; Matthew (wife, Jeanette); and Martin Camarena, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who he deeply cared for.  His preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Michael.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Monday, September 2, 2024 and from 9:00 AM until 9:30 AM, Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Chism Family Funeral Home, Vine Grove, KY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at St. Christopher Parish, 1225 S. Wilson Road, Radcliff, KY with Rev. Jeff Hopper officiating.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.

In lieu of flowers: a memorial gift can be made to the American Diabetes Association.