J. Mark Armstrong

J. Mark Armstrong, age 90, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. He was born on Wednesday, April 27, 1921, in Pattonsburg, Missouri, the son of John Marquis Armstrong, Sr. and Clara (Pearson) Armstrong. He was a resident of Ottawa since 1972, moving from Overland Park, Kansas. Mark graduated from Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas, later attending trade school at night to learn radio maintenance and theory. Following high school graduation, he became employed at Montgomery Ward Mail Order, in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by employment in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for Braniff Airlines as a radio operator, and then became ground operator for Pan-American Airways in Brownville, Texas, and later flight radio operator on DC3’s. He flew five years with Pan-American Airlines and was transferred to New York City. He then learned the cabinet business and became employed with Weaver Cabinet Company in Argentine, Kansas, where he worked six years prior to starting his own business, Armstrong Cabinet Company, in 1951. He owned and operated his business in various locations through the years, including Merriam and Ottawa, retiring in the early 1990’s. The company is now known as Armstrong Kitchens in Overland Park, Kansas. During his years in the cabinet business, he earned his multi engine and instrument rated IFR pilot license. He was a long time member of Shawnee Baptist Church in Shawnee, Kansas; charter member of Open Door Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas; and present member of Calvary Baptist Church in Ottawa. He formerly served on the Board of Directors for Kansas City Youth for Christ and Board of Directors for Roloff Enterprises, Corpus Christi, Texas. On January 1, 1943, Mark was united in marriage with Betty J. Breibeck in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Betty resides at their home. He is survived by his: Wife-Betty J. Armstrong of their home in Ottawa, Kansas Son-John M. Armstrong and his wife, Cindy, of Ottawa, Kansas Daughter-Kathleen Letts and her husband, Chip, of Ann Arbor, Michigan Daughter-Kristeen Scott and her husband, Lowell, of Ottawa, Kansas Grandchildren (5)-Matthew Armstrong, Elizabeth Letts, Sarah Letts, Mark Scott, Eric Scott He was preceded in death by his: Parents-John and Clara Armstrong Sister-Grace Steward Grandchildren (2)-Timothy Armstrong, Anthony M. Armstrong SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 925 W. 7th, in Ottawa, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011. IN STATE: Mr. Armstrong will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, where the family will meet with friends from 2:00 to 3:00 Sunday afternoon. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Calvary Baptist Church or New Horizon Ranch (for children with disabilities), c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.