Fireman Mark B. Gillam , age 58 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Ascension - St. Vincent Carmel Hospital following a valiant battle with Covid-19.  He was born April 7, 1963 in Elwood, the son of Paul M. Gillam and Sharon S. (Stage) Gillam.  Mark was a 1981 graduate of Tipton High School.  Later, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps before entering a long career of public service.  Mark was currently a Firefighter, Licensed E.M.T., and held the rank of Engineer for the Elwood Fire Department where he worked for the past 31 years.  He was a dedicated fireman who genuinely cared about the Elwood community.  Mark married Kathy L. (Kelley) Mort on February 17, 2007, and they shared 14 years of marriage together.

Mark was a counselor for the Hoosier Burn Camp in Tippecanoe County for over 20 years where he touched countless children's lives.  He was also a member of the Elwood Firefighters Union Local 1671 where he had served multiple terms in leadership roles.  When not working at the fire department, Mark could be found running his local graphics business, Golden Threads, in Elwood with his wife Kathy and daughter-in-law, Cara.

Mark will be remembered for his devotion to the Elwood community.  Whether coaching baseball with his children and grandchildren, serving on the Harry Bridges Little League board, or umpiring for District 6 Little League – he enjoyed being active in local sports programs.  In his free time, Mark enjoyed playing Fantasy Football and volunteering at the Elwood Elks Lodge where he was a member.  He also enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.  Mark will be truly missed by his family, his fellow firefighters, and the Elwood community.

Mark's family includes his wife, Kathy Gillam of Elwood; mother, Sharon Gillam of Elwood; 7 children, Jessica (Richie) Short, Brian (Josh) Gillam, Bradley (fiance' Cassandra) Gillam, Ashley King, Melodi Smith, Jonathan (Cara) Mort, and Joshua Mort (Rachael Miller) all of Elwood; sister, Lisa Mick of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; and 23 grandchildren, Fallyn, Collyn, William, Kadynce, Kevin, Stacey, Lacey, Kenzie, Brylen, Ayden, Hope, Jazleiana, Katena, Marie, Kiara, Brantley, Riley, Blake, Aviana, Chloe, Nate, Eli, and Owen.  Mark was preceded in death by his father, Paul Gillam; a grandson, Owen Riley King; and all his grandparents.

A funeral service celebrating Mark's life and public service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Elwood Junior/Senior High School Auditorium with Rev. Roger Gardner and other public officials speaking.  The Fire Service will render full professional honors for Mark's lifetime of service and his sacrifice.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 8 pm on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home where the Indiana Patriot Guard will provide flag and standing honors for the family.  Health precautions and consideration for the safety of the family and visitors are appreciated.  Cremation will follow after all services are completed.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Hoosier Burn Camp through the funeral home or www.hoosierburncamp.org.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.