In Loving Memory
June 29, 1953 – November 23, 2018
Arthur Marshall “Mark” Kolen, a native of Birmingham, AL and a resident of Fairhope, AL, passed away on November 23, 2018 at the age of 65.
Mark loved playing the guitar, loved music, loved his family and loved God. He was always positive and encouraged everyone he met. His tender heart will be sorely missed.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtis Parker Kolen and Robert E. Kolen, Sr.; and brother, Robert E. “Bob” Kolen, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Debi Tolliver Kolen; grandson, Christian Tolliver; brother, Mike Kolen of Birmingham, AL; along with other family and friends.
A memorial service was held on December 8, 2018 at South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Mark’s memory to Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church, 23050 US-98, Fairhope, AL 36532.
Online expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL, assisted the family.
Mark lived on our “N” hall in Magnolia Dorm at Auburn University. At that time he was going by the name Arthur and we dubbed him “Art”. I have no memory of his major or his academics; but that didn’t matter to his fellow hall mates. His personality was unlike anyone we had ever met. He was the life of the party and his rendition of ZZ Top’s LaGrange was epic. He was the first to show admiration for his own reflection in the mirror long before Facebook popularized the concept. It gave us all a sense of greater self-confidence. I lost track of Mark after I graduated and left for a career in aquaculture. I will always remember him with admiration and fondness.
Mark Kolen was….is my Uncle…..my father’s youngest brother. The other brother of my father was Mike Kolen . It was a privilege to 2 amazing uncles. Uncle Mike was more serious in sense but was the nicest guy & was a known college/pro football player & class act. Mark (also a class act) was the coolest, funniest, most lovable guy and He always lit up whatever room he entered. My father Robert “Bob” Kolen was kind of a mix between the two in way…..bit too close to either extreme……but each was his own man and all feared the Lord. I mention all 3 because now it is currently 9/20/25 & they have all gone on to be with their God & Savior in eternity. But back to Mark….no matter what your mood or what U were facing, Uncle Mark could always make U smile & laugh & take it all in stride and push on while looking ahead to a new day. And I believe that all my friends & everyone else who had the privilege of meeting Mark immediately came away with joy & was left with the thought of “man, that guy is awesome……I hope I run into him again”. He had this infectious optimism/smile/laugh and was one of the funniest men on the planet not only during his era but ever! He always built me up & encouraged me. And after my Dad passed in 2008, He basically went from being the cool hilarious Uncle to being my substitute Dad in a way (tho he remained cool & hilarious) and I am so grateful for that because I still needed fathering. And he (just like my dad & Uncle Mike) always reminded me who the real Father was and always encouraged me to open my Bible. One thing that has stuck with me over the years is a story I heard from my father, Uncle Mark, and family of how when Mark was in highschool….He & a couple friends would have a daily comedy show in the men’s restroom every morning before school started…..Mark being the main attraction as I understand it. And as it goes, Mark & friends would proceed to do comedy routines, skits, and tell jokes to start the day. And by all accounts, it was said to be a frequent occurrence that the restroom would become so crowded that someone coming to use the facilities could barely get in the door for all the people enjoying the show! Uncle Mark was one of a kind for sure and I can hardly wait to see him again along with U-Mike & Dad!