Ayden Markum

It is with great sorrow we share the passing of our beloved child Ayden Markum. Ayden George-Benton Markum was born January 31st, 2013 at Cox South hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Complications of pregnancy forced Ayden into the world much too early at 26 weeks gestation weighing only 2lbs 10oz. He was given the name Ayden, meaning "little fire", as a symbolic representation of warmth, strength, passion, and vitality. All qualities he would need to endure the struggle that lie ahead of him in life. From Ayden's first breath of life to his last, he embodied each of these qualities, igniting a bonfire of love and compassion in the hearts of those he touched.

It would seem destiny itself would not allow Ayden to part from the symbolism of fire and surprise. He left this world as abruptly as he entered it in the early morning hours of July 4th, 2025. Our little fire declared his freedom from the limitation and struggle of his human form. He was received by the peaceful embrace of our Heavenly Father while in the comfort of his bed. Because we could not fathom life without his innocence and vulnerability, we tried so very hard to breath life back into his fading body. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all the first responders, EMT's, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and hospital staff that fought to keep him with us. After exhaustive efforts, emergency physicians at Cox South officially declared his passing.

Ayden loved classic rock music, as it was from an early age we recognized that he was comforted by these ballads. He especially loved ACDC.

Ayden also found comfort in the warmth and companionship of many family dogs. Perhaps most cherished is his "Corgi Cuddler", Gizmo.

Much like his favorite Disney character Nemo... Ayden was thrust into many grand adventures from the top of Pikes Peak to the sandy shores of Florida. He ventured the lakes and rivers of the Ozarks and swam with the dolphins in the salty waters of the Bahamas. Despite his limitation and frailty, our family cherished every opportunity to include Ayden in experiencing the wonder and majesty of our beautiful existence. Mirroring the devotion of Nemo's Dad to his son, this was only possible through the dedicated and compassionate care of Ayden's father.

He is survived by his parents Christopher and Ashley Markum of Rogersville, Missouri; his siblings Eliza, Asa, Asher and Aletta Markum of Rogersville Missouri; as well as Isaiah Markum of West Plains, Missouri. He is also survived by grandmother Christine Rogers of Springfield, Missouri; uncles Matthew Markum and wife Andrea; Joshua Markum of Springfield, Missouri. Finally, his granny Carolyn Moody of Locust Grove, Georgia as well as a whole bushel of Georgia Peaches who loved him dearly.

Ayden's beloved nurses Katy Combs, Roman Steen, and Carrie Dyal; as well as a tribe of friends that are forever family. Brandy, Julia and Beatrice Smith of West Plains. Emma Kissinger of Springfield. Kyle, Heidi, Mady and Zayden Rayl of Versailles, Missouri. Tío Juan Lopez of Marshfield, Missouri; Auntie Holli Smith and Cassius Dunn of Springfield, Missouri.

Ayden was preceded in death by his Grandfather Don Farris Markum of Caulfield Missouri, as well as by countless warrior friends who are without a doubt having their own gathering on the other side.

Visitation services will be held Thursday, July 10th from 5 to 7 pm at Adams Funeral Home 504 W Walnut St, Ozark, MO 65721. While services can be come and go, we will have a ceremonial conclusion at 6:30 pm.