Arkansas State Police, Arkansas
End of Watch Monday, September 12, 2005
Reflections for Corporal Mark Wesley Carthron
You are in my prayers.
Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
October 15, 2005
To the family and co-workers of Corporal Carthron:
No words are adequate to ease your pain at the loss of Mark. Our family knows this pain all too well. We lost our Deputy, John Gunsell, one year prior to Mark's passing. Our families are linked by that terrible date. Each time that we lose another officer, a part of our hearts is lost for these dedicated professionals went above and beyond the call of duty.
Take comfort in the fact that people all over the nation are with you as you grieve and heal. Make sure that you go to Washington next May for National Police Week services. There is alot of healing that goes on there. It is also a tremendous honor to Mark. You will not want to miss it.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelly Gunsell
Former spouse, John K. Gunsell EOW 9-12-04
October 15, 2005
My brother, I intentionally drop the in-law because that sounds to restricted. You truly demonstrated the role of a real brother. You were all about family and family ties. I remember once when I was having a little dispute with Angela and you called me on the phone and told me, "now you know how much your sister cares about you and both of you are stubborn but somebody has got to be the bigger person". And you know me being the baby of the family I just take my little tantrums to the extreme so I was like, "so, I don't care she has to call me I'm not going to call her". You told me, "look don't make come over there and forcefully escort you out of the house". I told you, "come on Cletus I aint no easy win". We both laughed and from that moment I knew that you were officially the brother that me and my sister never had. You were a quiet soul but your presence was undeniably strong. Don't worry about Angela we are going to take care of her and be there for her physically and mentally. I'll even try to overcome my fear of Dexter a.k.a Cujo as I have nicknamed him.
Love,
Dollie, Bruce, B.J. & Cameron
Dollie
October 10, 2005
A troopers trooper. Rest in peace my friend.
Cpl. Freddy J. Ware
Arkansas State Police Troop C
October 9, 2005
Mark, your smile will be missed,The secrets we shared will never be told, the last time we spent together in July will be never forgotten.There hasn't a day gone by that I haven't thought of you.When I last saw you in July you spoke of love for your wife, love for family, and love for your job. When I last saw you, you were truly happy. I find comfort in knowing these things. Its been hard, real hard but I know to be in absent of the body, is to be in the presence of the LORD and I find comfort in this also.You've set a bar for our family to follow. One of integrity, Character, and respect. I hope none of us let you down. I'm truly proud of you. You will always be my HERO. Rest easy little Cuzz,rest easy.
Kenneth Buchanan.
Kenneth Buchanan ( 1st Cousin)
October 4, 2005
May God comfort your family and your brothers and sisters of the Arkansas State Police. Rest in Peace.
TFC Jason W. Ginn
Mississippi Highway Patrol
September 28, 2005
Oh my dear brother. What a tremendous void there is in my life. I'm so very glad that I had the opportunity to spend the night with you and Angela on 09.08.05. We acted just as we did as kids; we stayed up way too late and drank far too much soda. The next morning you remembered that it was my birthday and had a card waiting for me. As I prepared to leave we made last minute decisions about the cruise that we were scheduled to take in two weeks. You tried to call my cell on 09.12.05 @5:04PM, but I was traveling and unable to pick up the signal. The next call was from Angela informing me of the accident. In an instant you were gone. To say that I love you seems inadequate. I will for the rest of my days be they long or short cherish the fact that you were my only sibling and always my greatest supporter. Until we meet again!!
Thomas C. Carthron, Jr.
September 28, 2005
Here's a lil poem that I wrote....In honor of my Step Dad Corporal Mark Carthron, he will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful father and even greater grandfather. We love him dearly and always will.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY TO SAY
GOOD BYE TO YOU, NO RAIN,
NO HEAT, JUST A GENTLE
BREEZE
SO MANY THINGS LEFT UNSAID
SO MANY THINGS LEFT UNDONE
NO MORE VIDEO GAMES
NO MORE CASINOES
NO MORE HOLIDAYS
NO MORE WATCHING VIDEOS
NO MORE "HEY PUMPKIN, HOW YOU DOING"
NO MORE TALKS ON THE TELEPHONE
5 YEARS
WAS ALL THE TIME
I WAS GRANTED AND
I WANT YOU TO KNOW
I LOVED EVERY SECOND
OF IT
YOU WERE SO
MUCH MORE THAN A
STEP-DAD, YOU WERE
MY FRIEND, AND I WILL
CHERISH YOUR MEMORY TILL
MY VERY END
I OFTEN DREAMED OF YOU
WALKING ME DOWN THE AISLE
NOT MY REAL DAD
AND JUST BEING AROUND TILL
MY OLD AGE,
TALKING ABOUT THE PAST
BUT GOD HAD A
BETTER PLAN FOR YOU THAN
THAT, YOUR SOUL GAVE HIM
THE OKAY TO TAKE YOU AWAY
AND TODAY WE PUT YOU IN
YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE
NOT A MEAN BONE IN YOUR
BODY, YOU MEANT WHAT YOU
SAID, YOU TOOK CARE OF
YOUR FAMILY, LIKE A REAL MAN
YOU SHOWED ME THE "BEAUTY" OF
LOVING A BLACK MAN, I ONLY PRAY
FOR A MAN WITH HALF OF WHAT YOU
HAD
MY TEARS ARE ONE'S OF JOY, YOUR
NOT SUFFERING OR IN PAIN NO MORE
I'VE BEEN BLESSED FAR MORE THAN I CAN
SAY, JUST FOR KNOWING YOU, AND IN THAT I HAVE NO SHAME
NO BURDEN TO HEAVY,
NO REASON TO FEEL SADNESS
FOR GOD HAS GIVEN ME
ANOTHER HEAVENLY ANGEL
TO GUIDE ME THRU MY DARKNESS
I LOVE YOU DEARLY AND I WILL
MISS YOU MARK. AKA "POP-POP"
DEC 26, 1972- SEPT 11, 2005
STILL MISSING YOU
STILL HURTING
STILL NEEDING YOU
STILL REMEMBERING YOU
STILL LOVING YOU
STILL THANKING GOD FOR YOU
Tamara S Oneal
Step-Daughter of Mark
September 27, 2005
I will never forget the kindness he showed me. I was impressed with his professionalism and could tell that he took his job seriously. My condolences to his family and colleagues.
Private citizen, Wendy Crist
September 26, 2005
This is a very brave man. I hope that during the time of this incident, up until today, the members of the community which he served truly appreciated his commitment and sacrifice to their safety. Every coworker and family member can be most proud to know that Trooper Carthon's actions were a true testament of his character. I salute you for your bravery. May you rest in peace in a special place. May your bravery, commitment and sacrifice never be forgotten! AC
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
September 23, 2005
Rest in peace,brother.
Deputy Sheriff Stan Finley
Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
September 23, 2005
Peace be with your family my brother...you and your family are in my prayers
Deputy Scott Hamilton
Ohio
September 23, 2005
Rest in peace sir. Thank you.
Shannon
Collins Fire Dept.
September 22, 2005
Mark, your family in blue mourns your early sad demise. My heart weeps for Angela and the rest of your family. Rest in peace my brother in blue, may The Good Lord give Angela and the rest of your family, the strenght to carry on.
TFC. Ahsen Sonny Rauf
Arkansas State Police
September 22, 2005
God Bless You Trooper Mark Carthron and our sincere condolences to the family.
Patrol Officers
Huntsville, Al Police Dept.
September 22, 2005
Thank God for people like Trooper Carthron and his family. Where would America be without them?
Sergeant Gerry Norris
Huntsville (AL) Police
September 22, 2005
God bless you and your family for your sacrifice.
Cpl. Urs Hauser
Military Police Swiss Army, Traffic Unit
September 21, 2005
You made the Ultimate Sacrafice for the citizens of Arkansas and across the country. Thank you for your all your dedication. God Bless you and your family.
Missouri State Highway Patrol
September 21, 2005
In Valor there is Hope. Rest in Peace, Brother
P.O. Chris welby
Bridgeton, Mo. PD
September 21, 2005
Dear Mark,
I've found myself at a loss for words, that's why it has taken me this long to leave a message. Your accident occurred on the two year anniversary of my husband's death. We were having a candlelight vigil to honor him when we heard about your accident. We immediately gathered to say a prayer for you and your family. My heart breaks for your wife. Although I don't know her, I'm here for her should she ever need an extra friend. I hope Mike met you in Heaven and is taking care of you! Sounds like the two of you were a lot alike, especially the constant smile ya'll kept on your face!
I attended your service. It was heartbreaking, but you were honored and remembered the way a true hero should be.
Angela,
I came by your house on September 12th. You probably don't remember. Things were quite hectic. I live just around the corner. If you ever want to talk or cry or pray- anything at all - don't hesitate to call or stop by. You can get my number from WMPD. I know we don't know each other, but I feel instantly connected to you because of the loss we share - and because of all the similarities surrounding our husbands' deaths.
I read the tribute you wrote to Mark. It was beautiful. I was crying before I even finished reading it!
Please let me know if I can be there for you in any way.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Jennifer Waters
Wife of Mike Waters, West Memphis PD, EOW 9-11-03
September 20, 2005
REST IN PEACE TROOPER CARTHRON, YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
LIEUTENANT
Department of Veterans Affairs Police West Los Angeles
September 20, 2005
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers. May god be with you all as you suffer with this tragic loss. God Bless!
University Alabama of Huntsville Police Department
September 20, 2005
My condolences go out to Mark's family and all my officers.. We lost a great guy and even greater officer.. Mark you will always be in our memory.. We will forever miss you!!
ispatcher Deann Mathews
Crittenden Coutny Sherrif's Office
September 20, 2005
Rest in Peace Brother,we will never forget you and your dedication. From your OHP family,our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the Arkansas State Police.
Trooper Steve Nabors # 586
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
September 20, 2005
Our deepest sympathy, may God bless your family Trooper Carthron, friends, Co-workers and loved ones.
Our brother in blue, God has granted you eternal rest.
Walk your new beat, patrol Heavens streets and don’t forget to save us all a seat. Rest in peace, Our new Blue Angel.
Detective Patricia C Gagnon
Detective Edward Lewis
Palm Springs Public Safety, Fla.
Detective Patricia C Gagnon
Palm Springs Public Safety
September 20, 2005
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