Mark Duane Short

Mark Duane Short, 82, of Troy, OH passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. He was born in Troy, OH on April 8, 1936 to the late Byron and Mable Short and was a life-long resident of Troy. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Janet (Harshbarger) Short and brother Norman Gene Short. Mark attended Troy High School, The Ohio State University, and later Western Kentucky University.

While in high school, Mark competed in the Junior Olympics and set the pole vault record at THS until he coached the young man who would eventually break that record. After high school, Mark attended OSU where he ran track and trained with the 1956 Olympic team. Before finishing OSU, he entered the Army where he was trained in Pentomic warfare and taught atomic warfare to the Army Reserve in the area. He was later employed by Miami County Engineers where he built bridges in the county. At this same time, under Coach Lou Juillerat at Troy High School, he coached Jr. High and Freshman Football.

Mark never met a stranger; he was a life-long entrepreneur and servant of his community. He became C.E.O. of Roeth Appliances, Inc. and later President and owner of Short Appliances/Propane, Inc. for 45 years. He was elected Concord Township Trustee and held office for 24 years. He was an active leader  and member of the Troy Optimist Club for many years. Mark completed Advisory work for The Ohio State University and the University of Dayton, sitting on an advisory board with Governor Jim Rhoades to assist with state decision making. He retired in 2003 and spent his remaining years tending to the family farm.

A loving man, hard worker, jokester, and a wonderful father and grandfather, Mark will be dearly missed by his family. He is survived by son Craig (Marilyn) Short, daughters Vickie Berno (Dave Allan), and Bonnie (Rich) Holycross. Mark was very proud of his 10 grandchildren: Ryan, Andrew and Daniel Short, Samantha, Matthew, Maria, Cassandra, and Danielle Berno, Carol Ann Allan, and Elijah Holycross.

Calling hours will be on Saturday November 17, from 12 - 2pm at Baird Funeral Home, 555 N. Market St. Troy, OH 45373 with a Celebration of Life service and gathering to share our memories of Mark immediately following. We hope that you will bring a story to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the OSU Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital    Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.