Mark Eric Gran, 66, of Kansas City, Missouri died May 21, 2024 at home.
Mark was born February 15, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Independence, Missouri. A highly intelligent and curious child, he excelled in both math and science. His father taught him about drawing, color, and design at a young age. Mark was a talented artist, creating witty and sardonic illustrations throughout his life. A competitive swimmer since grade school, he earned varsity letters junior and senior years, graduating from Truman High School in 1975.
Mark attended college and worked a variety of jobs in the Kansas City area after high school. In 1979 he moved to Southern California and began working at Airframe Tooling Industries where he started his career as a precision sheet metal mechanic in the aerospace and tech industries. He was an expert at fabricating, part design, and machine programming. Later he worked for Amada Inc. as an instructor and application engineer on automation and laser cutting systems.
In the late 1990s he moved to the east coast to run Amada’s customer training school in Massachusetts, and to be closer to his two children and their mother Valerie. He spent 10 years working in the same industry while his children grew up. Eventually moving back to Kansas City, he continued to ply his trade, as well as reconnect with old friends and family.
Mark was very proud of his children. Aurora graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2016, and Austin is an active member of the US Air Force, currently serving at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada as a Technical Sergeant.
Mark left us too soon. He was the friend who told you about the coolest bands, the newest place to eat, and latest gallery openings. He was quick to help with a math or technical problem, as well as dominate a game of Trivial Pursuit. Always ready for a good time, Mark was a funny storyteller, always irreverent, and most of all - the smartest person at the bar.
Mark is survived by his mother Carole Gran, children Aurora Woods and Austin Gran; longtime partner Valerie Goodno; sister Marcia Gran and her husband Pack Miracle and son Walker; brother Dana Gran and his wife Amy White; brother Geoffrey Gran, his wife Barbie and daughter Katrina, as well as many other members of his extended family. Mark was predeceased by his father William A. Gran, and nephew Noah Miracle.
There will be a Celebration of Mark on Saturday July 13, 2024 in the Back Bar of the Summit Grill, 4835 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit MO 64064 from 4:00-7:00 PM. All are welcome. We look forward to your stories, memories, and pictures Mark.
