Mark Willes Overson

Mark Willes Overson, known affectionately to many as "Bad Santa," passed away on April 3, 2026, at his home in Magna, Utah, after a long period of declining health that led to recurring bouts of pneumonia. He was 71 years old. Born on December 7, 1954, in Nephi, Utah, Mark lived a life that was full, colorful, and entirely his own.

Mark was the son of Joseph Willes Overson and the late June Annette Smith Patterson. He was also loved and raised by his stepmother, Willa Mae Overson, and his late stepfather, Jack Patterson. As a young man, Mark served an LDS mission to Washington, D.C., an experience that shaped his early years and gave him a broader view of the world beyond the Utah desert he loved so dearly.

Though Mark never had the chance to attend college, he was one of the smartest people in the room on any number of subjects. He had an expert's knowledge of wildlife and geology, the kind of deep understanding that only comes from genuine curiosity and years of paying attention to the natural world. He was trained as a baker and even decorated wedding cakes for a time, a surprising talent that delighted those who discovered it. Over the years, Mark built a solid working life, holding positions at Associated Foods, serving as Bell Captain at the Airport Hilton, and working as a Ramp Agent for Delta Airlines.

Mark was a complex man. He could shift moods like weather rolling across the desert, and some of us knew sides of him that others never saw. But there was no denying his passion for life and the outdoors. He loved hunting, rockhounding, and riding his ATV across the wide open spaces of Utah. He took his family on countless adventures that almost always included what he called "S'ploring," which really meant they were kind of lost but always having fun. He also poured years of his time into coaching youth soccer teams and served as League President, giving back to his community in ways that touched many young lives.

And then there was Christmas. Each holiday season, Mark transformed into the spitting image of the Jolly Old Elf himself, much to the delight of friends and family alike. The nickname "Bad Santa" stuck, and he wore it with pride and a twinkle in his eye.

Mark is survived by his wife, Carol Marie Lester Overson; his father, Joseph Willis Overson; his stepmother, Willa Mae Overson; his children, Jacob Mark Overson, Bryce Danelle Overson, J. Todd Overson, and Fairen Irene Overson; his brothers Russell and Paul Overson; his sister, Bonnie Colby; and Vicki Chan, Tyler Overson, Sam Overson, Olivia Overson, Grayson Overson, Zayden Overson, and Lachlan Overson, all of whom held special places in his life. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, June Annette Smith Patterson; his stepfather, Jack Patterson; and his brother, Brad Overson.

Mark's family would like to acknowledge the kind healthcare providers who became part of his life and eventually part of the family. Special thanks go to the Aspire Home Health team, who helped navigate all of Mark's health issues, and especially to Kali and Korraline Hampton, who became true family as they cared for Mark's physical and emotional well-being.

Mark wished for his ashes to be spread in the desert, and he chose Drum Mountain as his final resting place. His family will gather at his Dad's house in Lynndyl, Utah, on Wednesday, April 15th at noon, after which those who wish may accompany them to spread his ashes at Drum Mountain, southwest of Delta, Utah. May his spirit find the peace and wide open spaces he always loved, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.