Ooltewah, Tennessee, October 23, 2025

News Summary

The Ooltewah community is grieving the loss of Mark Edward Wesson, a cherished family man and dedicated engineer. At 69, he was known for his kindness and commitment to his family. Mark is survived by his wife, two daughters, and five granddaughters. His contributions and compassion have left a lasting impact, leading to an outpouring of support from the community during this challenging time.

Ooltewah Community Mourns the Loss of Mark Edward Wesson, 69

Ooltewah, Tennessee, is mourning the loss of Mark Edward Wesson, a devoted family man and experienced engineer, who passed away recently at the age of 69. Mark Wesson, born on February 19, 1957, in California, was a beloved member of his community, known for his generosity and dedication to his family.

Mark was the son of Bobby Joe DeSoto and Teresa Prince and spent most of his life in Southern California before relocating to Ooltewah in July 2019, which he often referred to as “God’s country.” Wesson was married to Jodie DeSoto on April 4, 1987, and celebrated 38 years of marriage. The couple raised two daughters, Jessica and Jacalyn, who are now continuing the legacy of love and compassion instilled in them by their father.

For over 40 years, Mark worked as a heavy equipment operator, showcasing his skills and dedication to his profession. In his free time, he enjoyed outdoor activities and spent many hours working on his yard, reflecting his appreciation for nature and hard work. He was known throughout his community for his willingness to help those in need, regardless of where they were located.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jodie DeSoto; daughters Jessica (Ryan) Shibata and Jacalyn (Nickolas) Ernandes; and granddaughters Kora, Maggie, and Banks Shibata, along with Allison and Lillian Ernandes. He is additionally survived by his sisters Kathy Jones and Julie Moore, and several nieces and nephews, who will surely miss his kind heart and dedication to family.

Mark Wesson is preceded in death by his three sisters: Renee Conley, Jolyn Dalrymple, and Noelle DeSoto, who, along with many friends and family, remembered him fondly. The funeral services for Mark will take place at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Silverdale Baptist Church – North Ooltewah Campus, where friends and family will gather to pay their final respects. Pastor Randy Thomas will officiate the service, providing comfort in this sorrowful time.

In lieu of flowers, guests attending the funeral are asked to bring a living plant as a living memorial, symbolizing Mark’s love for life and nature. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, located at 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Mark Wesson’s Life at a Glance

• Date of Birth: February 19, 1957
• Birthplace: California
• Marriage: Jodie DeSoto (April 4, 1987)
• Daughters: Jessica (Ryan) Shibata, Jacalyn (Nickolas) Ernandes
• Granddaughters: Kora, Maggie, Banks Shibata, Allison, Lillian Ernandes
• Career: Heavy Equipment Operator for over 40 years
• Residence: Ooltewah, Tennessee (moved July 2019)

Context

The community of Ooltewah is coming together to support the Wesson family during this difficult time. Mark’s contributions as a family member, friend, and neighbor will not be forgotten, as those who knew him continue to share stories of his kindness and the positive impact he had on their lives.

FAQ

• What was Mark Wesson’s profession? Mark Wesson worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 40 years.
• When and where will the funeral service be held? The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Silverdale Baptist Church – North Ooltewah Campus.
• What should guests bring in lieu of flowers? Guests are asked to bring a living plant as a living memorial.
• What is the location of the funeral home handling arrangements? The arrangements are being handled by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, located at 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

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Additional Resources

• Mark Wesson Obituary – Dignity Memorial
• Sandra Edmonds Obituary – Legacy
• Carroway Funeral Home Obituaries
• Wikipedia: Ooltewah
• Google Search: Mark Wesson Obituary

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.