Mark Steven Scott

Mark was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1950 to Clayton and Delores Scott. He attended Washington High School with the love of his life, Susan. He graduated with honors from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 1972 with a B.S. in Geological Engineering.

He began his career as a Development Geologist with Texaco in 1972 and retired in 2015 as an Acquisition, Development/Exploration Geologist and Geological Manager from Denbury Resources. Like many in the oil and gas industry, he worked for multiple companies as well as independently during his career. The unofficial name for his own company was Lucky Duck Oil and Gas.

Mark enjoyed hiking, traveling, reading, Roku-ing, couch-coaching the Boys and Mavs, and jigsaw puzzling. He was an avid bicyclist, even riding across the United States in 2015 with his son. Together, they dipped their back tires in the Pacific and 3,668 miles later, their front tires in the Atlantic. Mark, “Pa” to his grandchildren, never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family, taking them to his favorite vacation spots. He also attended every possible concert, recital, school, and sporting event.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Cheryl Wyant, and Prunes. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan Scott; his three children with their spouses, Eric (Leslie) Scott, Emily (Russell) McMurtrey, and Erin (Aaron) Emerson; and his brother-in-law, Bob Wyant. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Madeline, Connor, Porter, Davis, Callum, Harris, and Colby.

The family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Hills Memory Care and the care team at Trinity Hospice for their compassion and commitment while caring for Mark.

A visitation will be held at the Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas on Saturday, September 13, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making an academic scholarship donation to the South Dakota School of Mines in honor/memory of Mark S. Scott, Class of 1972.