Marcus Wayne Smith Sr.

Marcus Smith was born July 10,1956 to Mathilda “Tillie” Birl. He was raised with love by his mother and father figure, Lewis Birl Sr. Marcus was educated in the Kansas City School District. He also attended Job Corps in North Dakota. 

Marcus was a “Jack of All Trades”. You could find him landscaping, building things, working on cars, cutting hair, etc. He had a love for dogs and bred Japanese Akitas for a short time. He was the owner of 3M.S.T Janitorial Services where he specialized in commercial and residential clean outs. Early on he developed a strong sense of  community which took him to work at the Boys and Girls Club for years. He had a strong passion for music, which made him a well-known Dj and party promoter, throwing many parties at Minute Circle. 

Marcus enjoyed cooking, dancing, looking good, cracking jokes and making people laugh and smile. HIs loved ones knew him as charismatic, charming, hardworking, strong willed, and the life of the party. He had a bright magnetic personality and presence that could light up a room just from walking in it. Everyone who knew Marcus knew he was a trendsetter and a fly dresser and stayed clean from head to toe anytime he stepped out. 

In 1976, Marcus met the love of his life, his wife, Darra “FeeFee/Phatz” Tyler. They embarked on a journey of love and companionship that lasted for over four decades. Together they created a family and loved hosting parties and holidays at their home together. One of their favorite past times together was two stepping to their favorite old school jams.

Marcus departed this life on Tuesday, August  29, 2023. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mathilda Birl, father  figure, Lewis Birl Sr., brothers, Perry Birl and Lewis Birl Jr., and sister, Sheila Birl.

He leaves a host of loved ones to cherish his memory. 5 children: Marcus “Bluey” Tyler, Terrence “Fire” Bell (Steffanie), Marco “Riv” Tyler (Savannaha “Sug”), Sasha Tyler, and Mario “Bo” Tyler. 12 grandchildren; Marquez Tyler, Christian Gibbs, DeShawn Miller Jr, Davion McDonald, Terri’onna Tyler, Nayeli Tyler, Teriae Bell, Terion Bell, Tatianna Bell, Amani Bell, Olivia Bell, and Terrence Bell II. His 4 great grandchildren: Naomi Prewitt, Au’Brei Rogers, Jacyn Johnson, and Malaya Temple. Sisters: Cyndi Hall (Bill), Nellie Smith, Rhonda Brown (Marcus), Melody Stuckey, and Carmen Johnson. Brother: Charles Johnson Jr and brother like cousin Melvin Smith. Marcus also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and friends. 

Marcus was an incredible man that left a unique, one of a kind mark on this world. Big Mark the Shark will live in our hearts forever. May we keep his memory alive by cherishing the time we had with him while he was on this earth. 

A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Golden Gate located at 2800 East 18th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64127.  Services begin at 11 A.M.