Mark Joseph Victor “Buffalo” Mullen left this world on February 14th in his shop surrounded by the loves of his life – his motorcycles and guns. He was born on the 14th of June 1952, the first son of William and Agnes Mullen, who I am sure thought they were getting a good Catholic boy – whoops. He spent 42-years as a conductor with CSX railroad, retiring in 2012. Though, let’s face it, the man found his way out of work for the last five years or so.
Throughout his lifetime, Mark enjoyed motorcycles, shooting matches, Yankees baseball (those sons-of-[redacted] should’ve hired Mattingly), Colts football, questionable calendars, the “buy now” button on Amazon, Ebay, Budweiser, Crown Royal, chain smoking, scratchers, fishing, camping, Bruce Lee movies, Star Wars, his dog Tater, and giving his wife a headache. A borderline hoarder, he leaves his family with the task of sorting through dozens of old magazines, at least 30 broken wooden pipes, Kung-Fu instruction manuals (dad, you were 67, you weren’t learning kung-Fu), and many an unopened package.
He was insanely talented, custom making motorcycles and guns that were sold around the world. One such motorcycle even made the cover feature of a chopper magazine. His 67-years on Earth were spent developing many useful skills, and working on those he hadn’t yet mastered. He was well liked by many, minus one angry baboon. He was ready with a kind word and sarcastic comment. He would give you the shirt off his back, provided you paid the shirt back with interest. He loved, fiercely, in his own quiet way.
He leaves behind his wife, Shirley; his children Michelle Hesson, Jeanette Mullen, and Ashley (Ryan) Gash; grandchildren Chelse Smitson; Devon (Ashley), Connor, Olivia, and Zachary Mullen; and Lilah and Nora Gash; multiple great-grandchildren; his brothers Ray (Betsy) Mullen, Dennis (Debbie) Mullen, and Mike Mullen; and most importantly his UPS guy.
He is presumably in heaven (fingers crossed, dad, it’s a toss-up) with his son, Bill; his brothers John and Greg Mullen; his sister Judy Winklepleck; and his parents, who I’m sure have had a few words with him already.
Rest in peace, dad. When the chips are down, the buffalo’s empty – whatever that means.
A memorial service will be held at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 2020 State St. Washington, IN on Wednesday February 19th at 6:00 PM. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to assist the Mullen family with arrangements.
