GALLUP, NM – The family of veteran US Navy and US Army Mark Peshlakai is humbly requesting a funeral escort on August 19, 2020 Wednesday from Gallup, NM to Ft. Defiance Veterans Cemetery.
STAGING: 8:45am Cope Memorial Chapel, Gallup, NM
KSU: 9:15am
DESTINATION: Ft. Defiance Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Defiance, Az.
Gravesite service. Immediate family only. Services will be conducted in accordance with CDC and Navajo Nation Covid-19 guidelines to protect all friends and family, thank you for understanding and cooperating.
Served a total of seven years in the military 1950-1954 a Fireman (Navy) 1954-1957 SPC (Army)
Beloved veteran Mark Peshlakai was born on August 29, 1930 in Nashcitti, NM at the family Hogan. His clan were Todichi’ii’nii born for Dibelizhini, his maternal clan is Tachii’nii and his paternal clan is Kinyaa’anii. He spent his early years sheep herding. He worked at the trading post in Zuni, NM before he enlisted.
He served 4 years in the Navy and 3 years in the Army. A man of many trades he had held numerous occupations after he left the military he became a Navajo Nation police officer, welder, truck driver, maintenance foreman and also served as former council delegate for his community from 1991-1995. Mark married is wife in 1955, they were together for 65 years. They had 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He loved his morning coffee and listening to his short wave radio. He was passion about politics and believed in the sovereignty of the Navajo people. He always stressed the importance of a good education and hard work.
On behalf of the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our condolences and prayers to the family of beloved veteran Mark Peshlakai. We thank you for your service, you will never be forgotten.
Contact: Patrice Peshlakai (granddaughter)
ppeshlakai@gmail.com
