US Marine Staff Sergeant Mark Allen Byrd Gorzik, Jr., born November of 1983, in Rolla, Missouri. Beloved son of Mark Byrd, Sr. and Shelby K. Williams; beloved brother of Matthew, Amanda and Katie; beloved father of Adam.

Mark was raised in the Leasburg area and was a 2002 graduate of Bourbon High School. After his graduation, Mark enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

SSgt Gorzik was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (x2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, gold War of Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal and the NATO Medal.

In his free time he enjoyed the outdoors which included camping, hunting, fishing, golf and hiking. He was known as a wonderful father and his son Adam, was his life.

He is survived by a son, Adam Keith Gorzik of San Diego, California; his father, Mark Byrd and wife Vicki of St. James, Missouri; his mother Shelby Gorzik and husband Ryan of Leasburg, Missouri; a brother Matthew Gorzik of the state of Oregon; sisters, Amanda Shifflett and husband Marcus of Houston, Texas, Katie Gorzik of Leasburg, Missouri, Courtney Gorzik of Leasburg, step-sisters, Amanda Studdard of Sullivan, Missouri and Amber Roller of St. James, Missouri; grandmother, Shirley Williams of Leasburg, Missouri, Michael J. and Vicki Gorzik, a niece, Caoilin Schoonveld; three nephews, Connor Studdard, Deagan Studdard and Jackson Herrod; aunts and uncles, Michael and Debbie Gorzik and children Michael, Tony, Autumn and Sara; Ghris and Kimberly (Gorzik) Dierkes and children, Stetson, Caitlin and Sierra, Kyle and Heather Gorzik, Eric and Dana Gorzik and children, Eric, Sam, Shiana and Lucas, Gregory and Tracie Gorzik and children, Kaytlyn and Courtney; other relatives and many friends.

SSgt Mark Allen Byrd Gorzik lost his battle with PTS, May 28, 2013, at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California. He was 29 years old.

A tribute for SSgt Mark Byrd Gorzik:

 

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