Mark A. Thomas

Mark was born on September 2, 1953, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to the late Estell Owen "EO" and Alberta L. (Miller) Thomas.

Mark was an Air Force Veteran who proudly served his country during the Vietnam era. He began his career with the Department of Defense at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. After marrying Betty, Mark went to work for the VA Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona; then, in 1988, he became an instructor at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in Oklahoma City. He loved teaching and traveled around the country, instructing others at FAA facilities around the United States.

Mark loved life and lived every minute with joy and passion. He was devoted to the love of his life and his wife of 41 beautiful years, Betty (Dismukes). A friend said of Mark, "He was a great man. I loved seeing you two together. That is what pure love looks like." He was a loving husband, father, Papa, and Chipmunk. He was always present for his family. Mark was a sweet, kind, funny, and generous man who was always willing to help anyone. Mark never met a stranger. When he walked into a room, he made everyone's day sunnier. Mark could always find a way to make you smile and brighten your day.

Mark was an avid skeet shooter and woodworker. He loved spending every spare minute at the Oklahoma City Gun Club with all his buddies, whose friendships Mark cherished so much.

Mark is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters Christy "Crit" and Heidi; grandchildren: Justin and wife Eunice, of Yukon, OK, and Dustin and Sky of Cleveland, TN; sister Alisa Arnold of Chandler, AZ; daughter-in-law Gina; and nieces Jena Fuentes and Devon Arnold of Chandler, AZ; along with many friends who he loved.

Per Mark's wishes, there will be no "formal memorial services"; however, there will be a come-and-go reception to honor Mark's life at the residence from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 31, 2022.

Donations may be made in his memory and honor to The Glioblastoma Foundation.