Mark Anthony Tinkle, 66, of Franklin, IN passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025 at his residence.  He was born November 12, 1958 in Beech Grove, IN to Phillip Eugene "Phil" Tinkle and Connie Marie (Brawner) Tinkle.  He was a cherished son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, whose life was a beautiful blend of faith, family, and fellowship.

Mark was a 1977 graduate of Greenwood Community High School and went to Indiana State University.  He worked at the Big Red Barn in Greenwood, IN during high school and from 1975-1984 Guy McFarland and Sons Golden Guernsey Dairy Farms in Southport, IN.  From 1984 - 2018 he worked in various roles in the vending business for Canteen Vending, AVI Vending, Caldron Brothers Vending and Treat America Food Services.  Since 2018 he worked as a licensed Financial Advisor & Enrolled Tax Agent for ATAX EDU.

Mark was an avid golfer, loved numbers, and games, and was a master of spreadsheets—his golfing buddies relied on the "Professor's" meticulous tracking of their games, wins, and stats.  He has mentored many to love golf as much as he did.  He also loved the casino, playing cards, and was especially skilled at poker, where his sharp mind and calm demeanor made him a formidable opponent and a fun companion.

His passion for sports extended beyond the green.  Over the years, Mark played basketball during high school where he was often a lead scorer and led his teams in highest field goal percentage, he played basketball with friends and family, ping pong, and participated in bowling and softball leagues amongst friends and family.  He taught many friends and family over the years how to play different sports and all types of games.

A true family man, Mark found his greatest joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow and thrive.  He had a heart big enough to consider everyone family, and his warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.  He had a great sense of humor, was quick witted and always had a joke to share.

Mark attended Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood, his faith shone brightly.  He loved music and over the years became a lover of Christian music and concerts, he found strength and joy in worship.

He even wrote a song "Together Forever" early in life and sent it off for demo.  He was admired for the grace, prayer, and unwavering faith with which he faced life's challenges. Mark often shared how a powerful moment with God early in life freed him from worry, and he lived the rest of his days with peace and purpose.

In his final years, Mark embodied what he called a modern-day "Hard Fought Hallelujah," living with courage, gratitude, and steadfast belief until the very end.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his humor, his heart, and his unshakable faith.

Survivors include his former wife Vanessa Kantz (Tom) of Southport, IN and their daughters Richelle Pitcher (Jeff) of Franklin, IN, Andrea Buckley of Oxford, ME; five grandchildren Ivy Polley (Hunter Sharp), Jaiden Walker (Hannah Hudec), Nolan Pitcher, Ambellina Garrett and Eli Buckley; a great grandchild Emberlynn Walker; stepmother Linda Orkin (Wayne) of New Whiteland, IN; his siblings Chris Tinkle of Indianapolis, IN, Eric Tinkle (Mary) of Indianapolis, IN, Julie Riley of Bloomington, IN, Brad Tinkle (Laurren) of Speedway, IN, Kevin Tinkle (Crystal) of Whiteland, IN, Keith Tinkle (Michelle) of Whiteland, IN, Christina Grindle (Jeremy) of Greenwood, IN, Erika Orkin of Franklin, IN, Jennifer Orkin of Glendale, AZ; several cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Phillip Eugene "Phil" Tinkle on March 2, 2024 and Connie Marie (Brawner) Tinkle on February 11, 2005.

Mark's Uncle and retired Pastor Richard McQuinn will conduct a Celebration of Life memorial service on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 7PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/marktinkle.  Friends may call Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 5PM until service time at the mortuary.  A private interment at a later date will take place at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood, IN.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awrig6ZA3oxosfMvAQEPxQt.;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzQEdnRpZANEMjg3NTlUMV8xBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1754091200/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.pulmonaryfibrosis.org%2funderstanding-pff%2fabout-pulmonary-fibrosis%2fwhat-is-pulmonary-fibrosis/RK=2/RS=0pkkycmt2T1hI7sxtWp936nDv04-

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.