Dr. Mark Nelson Day, D.M.D. Obituary (1938 - 2024)

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Mark Nelson Day, D.M.D., a beloved husband, adored father, and cherished grandfather. He will be greatly missed as a uniquely kind, intelligent, and loving person who listened closely to all those he lent his company. Mark was born on April 16, 1938, in Danville, Kentucky. He passed away on July 24, 2024, in Corydon, Indiana, surrounded by the family he loved at his home. His parents, Mark Sr. and Phyllis Day, and three of his four siblings, Jane Pack, Freddie Day, and Eddie Day, precede him in death. His older brother, John Day, survives him. Growing up, Mark developed an insatiable love for learning – never missing a school day from first grade until his graduation from Danville High School in 1956. There, he played football, basketball, and track. He then attended Centre College, where he achieved all-American honors playing football, was a member of Sigma Chi, majored in chemistry, and met his wife, Mary (n. Higgins), before graduating in 1960. He then joined the United States Air Force, navigated B-52 bombers, and exited the service after seven years, having earned the rank of Captain. Mark then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where he would later teach. His career in dentistry spanned 53 years, including many spent working alongside his son, Dr. Chris Day. His patients appreciated his gentle but strong hands, warm laugh, and tireless work helping them. Mark was known to barter a filling or crown for fresh vegetables from the garden or homemade sweets. Equally unconventional, his favorite candy was what most dentists would tell you never to eat: homemade peanut brittle. Mark was also known for his green thumb – growing tomatoes annually and vigorously defending his lawn from the never-ending tide of Dandelions that arrive each spring. He was also an avid golfer – traveling to play St. Andrews in Scotland and Monterey, California's Pebble Beach. His favorite regular course was Hidden Creek. He also enjoyed traveling to England, Spain, Italy, Australia, Iceland, and across the United States – taking back roads and reading all the historical markers he could locate. For many years, Mark and Mary also owned a home in Venice, Florida, where they spent much of their time and where they made numerous friends. However, evenings spent enjoying a cigar by a bonfire with family and friends were as special as any of his travels. Mark – or "Da" as his grandchildren called him – started making art in his unofficial retirement. He repurposed newsprint for ink drawings of non-repeating lines and patterns over the text and pictures. His work was featured on the cover of the Courier Journal's arts section, and he sold every piece displayed in an art show at the Leora Brown School in 2006. Mark's artwork and selections from his vast Royal Doulton Toby Jug collection will remain treasured family heirlooms. Mark's legacy lives on in all those who emulate the values of mindfulness, humor, and authenticity he demonstrated throughout his life. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Mary Day; their children, Elizabeth Day, Mark III, Dr. Christopher Day, and Ashley Manger; and their spouses, Steve Taylor, Julie Day, Dawn Thompson, and Andrew Manger. Mark also leaves behind his grandchildren Barrett Newell, Jorie Newell, Christopher Day Jr., Catherine Day, Maddie Clark, Mary Taylor, Hannah Manger, Duncan Manger, Greer Manger, their spouses Addie Day, Zach Hudson, Carter Clark, Ben Taylor, and his great-grandchildren Aniyah Day, Mason Clark, Davis Taylor, Zachary Hudson, and Hank Cecil. The family would like to invite those who knew Mark to a celebration of life visitation on 8/17 from 12 PM to 5 PM at Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home. In remembrance of Mark, his family encourages you to share memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Instead of flowers, they ask for donations to Dare to Care Food Bank, for which Mark was a stalwart admirer and recurring donor.