Mark Richard Littleton

September 25, 1950 - January 23, 2020

Mark Littleton courageously finished his earthly race on January 23, 2020. Mark was born in Camden, N.J. in September, 1950 to H. Richard and Elizabeth Littleton. He grew up in Cherry Hill, N.J., graduated from Colgate University, and earned his Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. After serving as a youth pastor in Indianapolis and pastor in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Mark started writing full-time. Around 100 of his books were published by Thomas Nelson, Moody, Zondervan, Barbour, Standard, Howard, Baker, Intervarsity Press, Reader’s Digest, and other publishers. His books included novels, non-fiction Christian living, poetry, devotional, children’s materials, devotional Bibles, and theology for laity. Many people go through life with their heads in a book, but Mark always had a book in his head—even up to the last days of his life, he was talking about his next books. He also authored several hundred articles for publishers, including Christianity Today publications, Reader’s Digest, The Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Evening Sun, Discipleship Journal, Moody Magazine and others. Mark was the co-director of the Heart of America Christian Writers Network. He loved helping writers hone their skills and frequently spoke at writers’ conferences and other events. He enjoyed teaching Bible-based classes and discussing scripture with others. He loved being with people and learning their stories. Prayer was a huge focus of his life. Mark is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jeanette; children: Nicole (Anthony) Frieze, Ally (Michael) Stilley, Gardner, and Elizabeth; grandchildren: Azrael, Fiona, and Matthias; siblings: Steve (Diane) Littleton, and Rebecca (Chris) Corbett; brother-in-law, Thurman (Evelyn) Gardner; and nieces: Joni (Kyle) Javes, Kelly Littleton, Molly Corbett, Amelia (Tim) Benefiel, and Lydia Gardner. A memorial service will be held at Mark’s church, Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Independence, Mo., on February 8 at 4 p.m. For any wishing to give memorial donations, the family suggests Trinity Church of the Nazarene, Heart of America Christian Writers Network conference scholarship fund (contact [email protected]), or the Littleton children education fund at Community America Credit Union.