Mark Albert Hilyard passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous twelve-year battle with Stage 4 Melanoma.
Mark was born February 26, 1968, at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital to Charles Harold “Bud” and Betty Hilyard of Plentywood. Betty invited his two sisters to choose his name — and they both liked the name “Mark,” inspired by the young boy in the beloved Gentle Ben television series.
An active and spirited boy, Mark was a member of the Boy Scouts and played football in high school, always throwing himself wholeheartedly into everything he did. His deep admiration for his maternal grandfather who served as a Sheriff inspired him to pursue a degree in criminal justice from the Minot State University leading to over 30 years in the State of Montana Law Enforcement.
Mark met the love of his life, Mary Ann Harmon, and together they built a beautiful life and family. He was an incredibly proud father to their two children, Gage and Hayden.
Mark had a deep passion for the outdoors, and fly fishing was among his greatest joys. He took pride in tying his own flies and teaching his two children how to tie flies. Many of those cherished adventures were shared alongside his children and his brother, Kurt.
Another passion was spending time at the family cabin in Monarch, MT it brought a sense of peace to him. He loved feeding his flock of turkeys and deer. As for recreation, he and his family rode ATVs on the surrounding mountains by their cabin. Riding his motorcycle with the Montana Vigilantes, a Masonic motorcycle club created meaningful friendships for Mark.
In 2017, Mark appeared in an episode of NBC’s Dateline involving a murder investigation. He was later invited to share his expertise as one of the homicide detectives featured on the Netflix series: I Am a Killer.
Mark was a steadfast presence to all who knew him — a true rock in the office, dependable and calm under pressure. His close friendships were a cherished part of his life, and his infectious sense of humor brought laughter to every room he walked into.
Mark is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary Ann; his son, Gage Hilyard of Tokyo, Japan; his daughter, Hayden (Korbin) Walling of Kuna, Idaho; his brother, Kurt (Kathy) Hilyard of Port Orchard, Washington; his sisters, Susan (Floyd) Wanke of Great Falls, Montana, and Cyndi (Marcus) Vitone of Montara, California; and extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Bud” and Betty Hilyard of Plentywood, Montana.
This coming Thursday, March 26th, a Family hosted visitation will be held between 6 to 8 pm at the Scottish Rite Center in 1304 13th St. S. in Great Falls, MT. The funeral service will be held at the Scottish Rite Center as well on March 27th at 2 pm. Burial with military honors will follow at the Highland Cemetery.
In-lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed or dropped off to the Great Falls Probation and Parole Office – 219 5th St. So. Ste. A, Great Falls, MT. 59405. Please make checks payable to: Benevolent Fund
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday March 26, 2026
Scottish Rite Center
1304 13th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2026
Scottish Rite Center
1304 13th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following his Celebration of Life
Friday March 27, 2026
Highland Cemetery
2010 33rd Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the burial
Friday March 27, 2026
Scottish Rite Center
1304 13th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday March 26, 2026
Scottish Rite Center
1304 13th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2026
Scottish Rite Center
1304 13th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following his Celebration of Life
Friday March 27, 2026
Highland Cemetery
2010 33rd Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the burial
Friday March 27, 2026
Scottish Rite Center
1304 13th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
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Kevin McCarvel says
I deeply miss you my friend. I’m glad that you’re out of pain and struggle. We’ll see other again.
Joy Novota says
While my husband (Bob Scotson) & I were living in Plentywood, it was a delight to know Buddy & Betty & the kids who lived across the street from my Aunt Mae & Uncle Don. Buddy was well-known for his carpentry/construction skills, & Bob worked for Buddy for several years. When I was unavailable, Betty helped out with being a back-up for taking care of The Fabric Gallery, our shop which was located next to Paulbeck’s! Watching the kids being active & involved brought a special note of exuberance….reading this obituary brings sadness of such a positive man leaving this world too early. Now all these many, many years later, I extend special thoughts & sympathy to the Hilyard family as you mourn the loss of Mark. Apparently he has left a major ‘mark’ on humanity with his work & devotion to his career, family, aspirations & activities. Blessings to the Hilyard family members….
Cheri Weidner says
Mark you will be missed! I first met Mark in Plentywood while in high school. He was a friend of my boyfriend at the time. The thing I remember the most was his smile and the mischief he could get into and keep a straight face the whole time. His car “The Batmobile” that he was so proud off and his always saying he was going to be the new “Marlboro Man”. Later in life we reconnected when he moved to Miles City to work for the police department there. My husband became friends with Mark while working at the radio station in Plentywood and later became Mark and Mary Ann’s Schwan man. So many fond memories. He was truly a very special person. To Marks family my heart hurts for you all. Hold your memories close. God bless and comfort you in this very difficult time.
Cheri {Fritz} & David Weidner
Cyndi Vitone says
I will miss you my Baby Brother. We had a lot of fun growing up together. I will miss you terribly. Life will never be the same without you.