William Mark Deskins

William Mark Deskins, 64, of Waldorf, Maryland, passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at his home. Mark is survived by his wife Sherry; sons Joshua and his wife Anna, and Matthew; grandson Lucas; siblings Don Deskins Jr. and his wife Lou, Jack Deskins and his wife Lisa, Sandra Wickline and her husband Danny, and Sarah Deskins; also survived by numerous other relatives and friends. Born on April 11, 1959 in Man, West Virginia, Mark is the son of the late Don Louie Deskins Sr. and Dora Leigh Deskins. Mark’s education includes a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University and Master’s in Technology Management from the University of Maryland University College. His Executive education includes Harvard Business School and University of North Carolina. Mark’s career started as an Industrial Engineer in private industry in North Carolina for five years. His government career as an Industrial Engineer began at the Indian Head Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in 1988. Promotions brought him to the NSWC headquarters staff where he worked strategic planning and corporate operations. He was selected for the NAVSEA’s Commander’s Development Program where he held highly responsible positions working on combat systems, strategic and business planning at the Division and NAVSEA corporate level, and Program Executive Office (PEO) Program Management assignments. From 2001 to 2007, Mark was the Deputy Program Manager for Inactive Ships (PMS 333) in PEO Ships where he was responsible for the management of the U.S. Navy’s inactivation and disposal of conventionally-powered surface ships. Mark oversaw the decommissioning of 20 ships and the disposal of 46 ships including 1 for artificial reefing and the donation of the aircraft carrier ex-MIDWAY that operates today as a highly successful ship museum in San Diego. Mark then became the Chief of Staff for Team Ships and was responsible for front office operations and executive management for surface ship acquisition, maintenance, modernization, and disposal. From February 2009 to May 2015, Mark was the Deputy Program Manager for Strategic and Theater Sealift (PMS 385), which included the commissioning of the first Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) and the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ships. In May 2015, Mark rejoined the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development & Acquisition (ASN (RDA)) staff to serve as the Director, Acquisition Career Management, the Navy and Marine Corps’ lead for the professional development and management of the entirety of the DoN acquisition workforce. Mark retired in March of 2019. Mark enjoyed traveling, anything computer related, mentoring young adults, watching West Virginia University Mountaineers and Baltimore Ravens football games, home brewing, smoking barbeque on his big green egg, and spending time with family and friends. Mark, along with Sherry, mentored many couples preparing for marriage. He attended Life Point Church in Waldorf. A gathering will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 10:30AM until time of Memorial Service at 11AM at Life Point Church 10395 Berry Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20603 with Pastor Michael Rogalski officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Charles County, 2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20603 where Mark had volunteered.

William Mark Deskins

April 11, 1959 - October 21, 2023