Mark Anthony Bach

Mark Anthony Bach, 55, of Knoxville, TN laid down the boogie and played that funky music till he died on October 4, 2025. Mark was a proud Veteran of the United States Army and loved his country with a passion. He also had a deep bond with his brothers from the 844 th Engineer Battalion Reunion Group. Mark was rescued from a cliff in 1983. He was a Royal Ranger Trailblazer of the year as Master Ranger for the region of East TN that same year. During high school Mark was awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award. Mark joined the Army Reserves in 1988 with his basic training taking place in Fort Jackson, SC. From there he completed the U.S. Army Chemical School in Fort McClellan, AL in 1989. Mark was then activated for Operation Desert Shield and served in Operation Desert Storm serving in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. During 1991 Mark, by popular demand, was selected to call cadence for the HSC 844 th Engineers Battalion for the Fourth of July Desert Storm Parade. In 1993 he served in Eastern Castle in Egypt. Mark was truly a one-of-a-kind person and to know him was to know humor, love and compassion. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father and Grandpap.

Mark is survived by his “smoking hot wife” of 16 years, Mary Ellen Bach; daughter, Lillie Bach; son, Garon Bach; “dear sweet mother”, Carolyn Bach; sisters, Stella Smelcer (Tommy) and Carolyn Lee Bach; brothers, J.B. Bach (Kathy) and Joe Bach (Morgan); beloved companion, Gizmo; a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and his beloved brothers from the 844th Engineer Battalion Reunion Group.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, J.B. Bach, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Sherman Wesley Neff, Fred and Ruth Phillips; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Josephine Bach; son, Garth Scarbrough and nephew, Tyler Smelcer.

A special thanks to Dr. Ryan Buckley who was a skilled practitioner and improved Mark’s health and quality of life.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 13, 2025, at South Knoxville Worship Center from 5:00-7:00pm, with a service to follow with Rev. Stan Kasior and Rev. J.B. Bach, Jr. officiating. Family and friends will meet at East TN State Veterans Cemetery for a 10:00am interment on Monday, October 14, 2025. In lieu of Flowers, please send donations to the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial in Washington D.C.

Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Army Veteran, Mark Anthony Bach.