Mark H. Allen

Known for his enormous personality, Dr. Mark Allen, 62, passed away May 14, 2023, after a battle with brain cancer at his home in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. Mark was the fourth of seven children born to Jack and Mary Allen of Liberty, Kansas. He grew up in the country and ornery as could be. “Bird”, as Mark was nicknamed, was an obvious natural athlete with a very competitive spirit. He could often be found swimming in the Verdigris River with his siblings when he wasn’t taking care of his 4-H and FFA livestock projects. Mark attended high school in Coffeyville, Kansas where he was a 5A Kansas wrestling champion. With his strength and amazing quickness, he was a feared competitor. He humbly led his team to the 1979 state championship and was later inducted into the Field Kindley High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Among his many other achievements, Mark was also a champion livestock judge. Athletics and judging scholarships allowed Mark to be a first-generation college student. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University; and accordingly, his wardrobe always had a large measure of purple. Mark also earned a Master’s in Business Administration and then a PhD in Agriculture from Oklahoma State University. While teaching at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Mark met “the best decision he ever made,” (his words), his wife Rebecca, a registered nurse, from Ft. Supply, Oklahoma. She had the requisite “R.R.” (Rural Route) in front of her address and it didn’t hurt that she’s gorgeous, smart and sweet. They married, had two wonderful sons, Gavin and Gage, and settled down outside of Morris, Oklahoma. Both sons attended the University of Tulsa – Gavin graduated with an engineering degree and Gage is right behind him. They absolutely loved their Dad and inherited his remarkable work ethic and true north integrity. Although Mark had some fancy letters behind his name, he would still outwork anyone. He built miles of fence; roofed houses and barns; ran a chainsaw (rather recklessly) and transformed their place into a playground – complete with a lighted volleyball court for “friendly” matches. To list all of Mark’s hobbies and activities would take pages. However, to name a few, he loved scuba diving; snow skiing, any and all water sports; and even competitively raced four wheelers with his boys. Mark was a lifelong educator and his infectious love of learning shaped his students. Perhaps a great gauge of his character could be found from the respect and admiration of those students and his subordinates. Indeed, he influenced countless strangers. You could always find him befriending folks who he knew he would probably never meet again. His laughter, positivity and razor sharp wit was contagious. No one had to speculate about what Mark was thinking. He told you directly without pretense. Mark was the definition of a “champion” and those that he “championed” feel unstoppable with the gift of his presence in their life. Mark is survived by his wife Rebecca; his sons Gavin and Gage; his brothers Frank Allen, Greg Allen and Bart Allen; his sisters Alysia Johnston, Julia Allen, and Dr. Melinda Allen-Cullins as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held May 26, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Twin Hills School Activity Center, 7225 Twin Hills Road, Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447. Donations may be made to Twin Hills School STEM program or the Preston, Oklahoma high school academic team. Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Mark’s Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com

Mark H. Allen

December 30, 1960 - May 14, 2023