Mark Dale Dierlam, age 79, loving husband, father, and friend to so many, passed away peacefully in Victoria, Texas on April 30, 2024, with his family at his side. Mark was born on July 25, 1944 and grew up in Six Mile, Texas, where he excelled in several sports, including basketball and track. He started high school in Bloomington, Texas and moved to Victoria, Texas his junior year, graduating from Victoria High School in 1962. In 1966, while shoveling dirt at Stephen F. Austin University, lady luck struck as he met Virginia Lowery, who was simply walking by at the time, and who would ultimately become his wife and lifelong partner. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in 1968 and was drafted into the US Army the same year. He returned to Victoria in 1969, where he resided the rest of his life. After years of working in the hay field, he started Dierlam Feed Store alongside his family and ran it until later in his life. Mark was proud of his business and made strong and lasting friendships with his customers, who in turn treated him like family.
Mark was a generous and loyal man, had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He put a smile on every face he encountered and would strike up a conversation with anyone at any place at any time. Mark enjoyed raising cattle at his ranch in McFaddin, Texas, traveling to Las Vegas, attending sporting events, and meeting up with friends for coffee at Ramsey’s. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a Lifetime Committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a member of the Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas.
His children, Melisa, Debbie, and Mark Clayton, were his entire world. He gave them strength when they needed it and laughter and joy all the time. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids, and offered them his unlimited support in everything they pursued.
Mark adored his family and would make a point to tell them that he loved and appreciated them as often as possible. His absence will be deeply felt, but the contributions he made to everyone he touched will be everlasting.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Virginia Lowery Dierlam, who he always said was the best thing that ever happened to him; daughter Melisa Dierlam Richardson (Scott) and grandchildren Peyton Richardson and Clayton Richardson; daughter Debbie Dierlam Fraker (Ben) and grandchildren Natalie Fraker and Ashley Fraker; son Mark Clayton Dierlam; brother Larry Dierlam (Jackie); sister Margaret Dierlam Anderson (Jimmy); brother Stanley Dierlam (Mendy); double first cousin Orville Dierlam (Trudy); and many other dear family members and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Amos Truitt and Gladiola Hengst Dierlam; brother Wayne Dierlam; brother David Dierlam; and sister Dolores Dierlam Paluga.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00am on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with visitation prior to the service at 9:00am.
Pallbearers will be Brad Dierlam, Brent Dierlam, Bryan Dierlam, Scott Dierlam, Ben Fraker, Lee Morris, Clayton Richardson, and Scott Richardson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Mallette, Jimmy Miori, David Morris, Jackie Parks, Tom Sanders, Garland Southern, WJ Sparks Jr, Lester Tibin, and Manuel Vela.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Texas Children's Hospital Cancer Center or the Victoria Livestock.
