1966 – 2016

HENDERSON, Nev. — David Evan Mars died unexpectedly at his home in Henderson, Nev., on Wednesday, Sept. 7, just a week after his 50th birthday.

He was born Aug. 31, 1966, in Boston, Mass., the first child of the Rev. Peter and Margery (Conley) Mars. His growing years were lived happily in White’s Brook Marsh, Yarmouth Port (Cape Cod), Mass., before the family relocated to Maine in 1977 — first to Auburn and then to Monmouth.

David was a graduate of Kents Hill School, Class of 1984, and then went on to attend Northeastern University, University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg) and Columbia University. He was always named as a Presidential or Dean’s List scholar.

His first job was with the New York City Police Department — parks division. He also worked for a time with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Washington, D.C. Most of his work career was in the field of computer engineering, primarily with imaging solutions. He was instrumental in obtaining a patent when working in the field of mammography. He also served as a digital consultant. In the 1980s, during the McKernan administration, David was appointed by the governor to the Mandated Benefits Advisory Committee, and also Developmental Disabilities Council. He also served as CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children.

David loved animals, especially his pet dogs. Through the years Candy, Sheba, Buffy, Maggie and Hannah were dear to him as were his cats, Mittens, Zoe, Misu and Samantha.

He leaves behind a special friend, Renee Park of Henderson and her dog, Mac, with whom he enjoyed many road trips and ice creams. He loved to travel and enjoyed many trips across America the beautiful, Canada, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland and the Caribbean Islands. David also enjoyed cooking. He loved children, most especially his grown niece and goddaughter, Kaitlinn Elisabeth Kluzak (Klui).

He is survived by his wife, Lizette Padilla-Mars of New York; his parents, Peter and Margery Mars of North Monmouth; his dearly devoted and loving sister, Martha Linn (Mars) Kluzak and her husband, John and their daughter, Kaitlinn Kluzak of North Monmouth; a foster sister, Debra Sue (Clark) Reeder and her family, especially niece, Hunter Clark-Dye of South Carolina; his aunt, Linda Mars Emerson and her husband, Jim, of Stoughton, Mass.; and many cousins.

He was predeceased by both his paternal and maternal grandparents and great-grandparents.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.