Celebrating the Life of Mark Edward Putnam

December 8, 1957 – May 21, 2026

Mark Edward Putnam took his final, grand fishing trip on May 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as big as his heart and a world that is a lot brighter because he was in it.

Mark lived life with a simple philosophy: there were no strangers, only friends he hadn’t swapped stories with yet. If you met him once, you had a friend for life. Mark was the guy who would pull over in a downpour to help someone change a tire, always choosing to take the high road and teaching everyone around him to do the same. His generosity wasn't just a habit; it was who he was.

When Mark wasn’t busy helping someone else, you could almost certainly find him by the water. An avid fisherman, Mark was always chasing the next big catch, though he’d tell you the peace of the water and the company he kept were the real prizes.

For the past six years, Mark faced his toughest opponent yet, valiantly fighting three separate stage-4 cancers. Mark didn't just fight; he showed everyone what true courage, grace, and a stubborn refusal to lose his joy looked like. He danced through the storms, kept his sense of humor intact, and never let the diagnosis define his days.

Above all, Mark’s greatest joy was his family. He is reunited in Heaven's best fishing holes with his father, Walter Bennett Putnam; his mother, Geneva Farris Putnam; and his brothers, Joseph Bennett Putnam and William Bennett Putnam.

His legacy of love and laughter lives on through his mother, Annette Putnam; his beloved wife, Alise Ladner Putnam; his son, Joseph (Joey) Bennett Putnam and daughter-in-law Rebecca; and his daughter, Calli Geneva Putnam and son-in-law Robert Hackney. Mark was the ultimate, proud grandpa to grandson, Nolen and granddaughter, Reagan.

He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Putnam Greenawalt and brother-in-law Peter Greenawalt; his sister-in-law, Karen Ladner Demoran; his deeply loved nieces, DeeDee Ulery Carr, Joanna Putnam Ryan, Kira Putnam East, and Kelsi Ladner Munns; and his nephews, Chad Bennett Ulery and Steve Putnam. Mark was the legendary great-uncle who could always be counted on for a laugh, and his spirit will be carried on by his great-nieces, Olivia and Geneva (Gigi) Carr, Sara Ryan, Isabella Sanchez, Kaeleigh Ladner, and Kalina Munns; and his great-nephews, Spencer Carr, Tyler, Joshua, and Jacob Ryan, and Cameron and Tristan Putnam.

Mark’s big heart extended to his four-legged companions as well; his fur babies, TJ, Minnie, Jackaroo, Spencer, and Benny, will surely miss his gentle hands and the scraps he undoubtedly snuck them from the table.

Mark’s life was a masterclass in kindness, resilience, and love. While his fishing line has gone slack here on earth, the ripples of Mark's joyful spirit will be felt for generations to come.

His family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Baptist Hospital Oncology, especially Dr. Jafri and Chrissy Cobb. You treated Mark like family and you fought for him so hard—we will never forget your care and dedication.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on August 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the pavilion at Casino Beach in Pensacola Beach, FL. In honor of Mark's love for the water and the outdoors, please come in casual or beach attire, just as he would have wanted.

In Lieu of Flowers

Mark always had a heart for helping those in need and regularly gave to the homeless. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by purchasing rescue tokens from the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Each $10 token provides a neighbor in need with one night of safe shelter, meals, a shower, and clothing at either the Pensacola or Mobile campus. Tokens can be purchased online or at their mission locations to keep Mark’s spirit of local generosity alive.

CANCER DID NOT WIN!  MARK’S BELIEF..

IT’S A DRAW!