CW4 Mark W. Stuart (Ret.) US Army, age 78, a resident of Lincoln County, TN, passed away on October 5, 2026, at HH Lincoln Health in Fayetteville.
Mark William Stuart was the son of the late James M. Stuart and the late Anne Kumutis Stuart of Winsted, Connecticut. He is survived by his wife, Diane L. Stuart; daughter, Karen (David) Stockhauser; son, Jason Stuart; grandchildren, Mike (Lauren) McMillion, Kevin (Kristi) McMillion, Lauren (Briley) Williams, Jason Edward Stuart, Jr., Adia Stuart, and Zorianna Stuart; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Crowley McMillion, and Max McMillion; and a brother, James Millar Stuart.
Mark had several careers in his life, which he is very proud of. The first and foremost, having served 38 years in the U.S. Army as a Combat Helicopter Pilot with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer grade 4 (CW4). Mark served two tours in Vietnam acuminating 1,858 combat flight hours earning many awards and decorations for valorous actions including the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice), 65 Air Medals, and 5 Army Accommodation Medals for Valor. Mark retired from the Connecticut National Guard in 2004 with 7,500.
Mark ‘s second career was the Lockhead Martin an Aerospace corporation supporting the U.S. Military. Mark was a Systems Engineer and the Chief Helicopter Test Pilot. He conducted over 300 flight tests, all of which were accident and incident free, which was quite an accomplishment. Mark retired in 2016 and moved to Fayetteville, TN in 2017.
Mark loved cars, he built and raced cars in NHRA national events since he was 16 years old. He loved to build high-performance engines for himself and friends. His collection of cars continues today. He was active in the local car club “Voodoo Customs” and displayed his cars at various car shows.
Mark was active in the local Elk’s Lodge 1792 which raises money for local charities and veteran events.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 hours on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens, in the Garden of Honor (23 Memory Lane, Fayetteville, TN 37334). Full military honors will be rendered.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with an Elk’s Service at 7:00 PM, at Higgins Funeral Home (213 Market Street East, Fayetteville, TN 37334).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ASPCA Foundation (P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929) for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of CW4 Mark W. Stuart (Ret.) US Army.
So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was a great guy and pilot and will be missed by all who knew him. I met him in the early 70’s in the Connecticut Army National Guard.
Great Pilot and safety at all times.
Will be missed in the CTANG many friends Good Guy.
We met Mark on a few trips to Tennessee. He made point to walk over & say hello & visit. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Rest in peace Mark.
Very sorry to hear of Mark‘s passing. Mark was a true gentleman and his service to our country is a remarkable record. I remember Mark‘s great sense of humor and affable spirit. Mark got along with everyone.
I always enjoyed flying with Mark at CTARNG.
My condolences to Diane and the whole family. I’m sure Mark will be greatly missed.
I work with Mark for many years at Lockheed Martin in Owego. I was a CW2 in the Army and we shared many stories. I’m very sad to hear of his passing. He was a good friend.
I am so very sorry to hear of Marks passing .He and Diane were like our family. Joe and I will miss our Thursday outings for lunch at Lafluente. Mark and Diane were two of our devoted members of Voodoo Customs in which he loved so much.Each and every one of us will miss him.I pray for Diane ,Jason and his daughter and the rest of his family. We will miss all his stories he shared with us along of sharing his memories. Mark ,thank you for your service and I promise you will never be forgotten and Diane ,we Love you .Brenda and Joe Burns…