Marshall Edward Bears, known to most as “Ark” was born on December 10, 1939, in Walden, Colorado. He was one of 8 children born to Samuel and Annie (Marsh) Bears.

The family moved multiple times in Ark’s younger years as Sam worked in the lumber industry. The family spent time in various towns in Wyoming, then Montana and

Washington before returning to Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. Ark completed 8th grade before he left school to join his father in the logging business. When Ark was 19 years old, he went to work for Johnson’s Sawmill in Hulett, Wyoming. He also worked for Neiman Sawmill before he embarked on a new journey within the construction industry, working for Smith Construction. In 1978, Ark began working for Decker Coal, where he remained until he retired in 2003.

Ark married Phillis Storm in 1960 and together they welcomed 4 children: Clinton, Bonnie, Shirley, and Beckie. They lived and worked in the Hulett area until they moved to Story in 1975. Ark and Phillis divorced in 1983. He later met Nancy Johnson and the two were married in 1991. With the union, Ark welcomed two stepdaughters: Angie and Jodi.

Ark was an avid hunter and took many hunting trips in the Big Horn mountains throughout his life. For 62 consecutive years, Ark went elk hunting without fail. He was always up for an adventure, which prompted his desire to learn to archery hunt at the age of 72. When he wasn’t hunting, he was found to be tinkering with old vehicles and machinery. He also always wanted to pan for gold.

The only thing Ark loved more than hunting was his family. He had immense pride in his children and enjoyed spending time with them and their families. Even as his ability to recognize those he loved most faded in recent years, he had a deep understanding that although he may not be able to recall their names or the multitude of memories of a lifetime spent with them; he knew they were important to him and found peace in their presence.

Ark is survived by his brother, Samson (Debbie) Bears of Hulett, WY, children: Clinton (Stacy) Bears of Hawthorne, NV, Bonnie (Brad) Porch of Buffalo, WY, Shirley (Rob)Lueders of Buffalo, WY, and Beckie (Gary) Plessner of Story, WY; step-daughters: Angie (Ernie) Bunce of Eau Claire, WI and Jodi Newman of Augusta, WI; 14grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Ark was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Sammy, Alfred, Herberta, Virginia, Janet, and Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Phillis, and his wife, Nancy, as well as numerous Aunt’s and Uncle’s.

‍

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Champion Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyoming. A reception will follow at the Story Woman’s Club in Story, Wyoming.

Inurnment will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Inyan Kara Cemetery in Sundance, Wyoming.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

‍