Lawrence Kenneth “Ken” Marks

Lawrence Kenneth ‘Ken’ Marks, 90, of Midland, Texas, loving husband, Dad, Grandaddy, and Greatdaddy passed away on July 2, 2024 after a lengthy illness.  He was surrounded by his family that grieve his loss, but know that he is safe in the arms of Jesus Christ his Savior, perfect and whole.

Lawrence Kenneth (Ken) Marks was born on August 28, 1933 on the family farm near Winters, Texas to E. Lawrence and Lillie O’Nita (Knight) Marks. He grew up in Winters and graduated from Winters High School in 1950.  Ken was involved in many school activities such as basketball, baseball, and playing the French horn in the band.  Upon graduation from high school at the age of 16, his biggest desire was to further his education.  He enrolled in McMurry University, eventually transferring to Hardin-Simmons University where he earned his BBA in 1955.  Ken was no stranger to hard work, many times having to take a semester off to earn enough money to pay for school.  He was known to hitchhike back and forth from Winters to Abilene, to finish his degree.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, the former Marylea Byrd.  They married on May 28, 1955 and shared 66 years of marriage before her death in 2022.

The early years of their marriage were spent in Abilene, TX as Ken ventured to become a business owner.  The 50’s were exciting and progressive times for radio and television, and Ken knew it.  He became a partner in F&M Electronic Supply in Abilene and eventually moved to Midland in 1962 to begin Midland Commercial Electronic Supply, Inc.  Ken’s grit, work ethic and integrity helped him build a successful business, but it was his commitment to his faith in God, his family, his church and community that has left an immeasurable mark on this world.

Ken was a faithful member of Crestview Baptist Church of Midland. He served as a deacon and on many committees in the church as well as being a Sunday School teacher for the Barnes class.

Ken loved Lee/Legacy Rebel sports, but especially football and baseball.  He would travel near and far for games and could recall stats from many years of district and state playoff games and championships. He was awarded ‘Rebel for Life’ in 2001.

It was in 1983 when Spike Dykes approached Coach Eddie McHugh to begin a huddle for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Together Eddie and Ken laid the foundation for what would become the Permian Basin FCA.  Meetings took place in the field house at Lee/Legacy, the Lee/Legacy Youth Center, and of course Ken and Marylea’s house.  It was not uncommon to have 50 or more kids packed in the living room and kitchen to learn about the love of Jesus and be fed by Marylea or ‘Momma’ as she was known. Ken was inducted into the FCA Hall of Champions in 2015 in recognition of his decades of faithfulness and commitment of time, prayer and resources so that young people would come to know Jesus. Whether it was working at Conner’s Car Wash for donations or putting on a ‘Poor Boy Supper’ to raise money, Ken made sure that every kid got to go to camp. Trips to the FCA National Conference in Estes Park, CO were his favorite working vacation. In his honor, Permian Basin FCA held the inaugural Marks Family All-Star Classic in 2023.

In 1988, Ken decided to step up for all kids in Midland by running for Midland ISD school board and served until 1992.  After his time on the MISD board, he served on the Region 18 Educational Service Center Board of Directors for 28 years as well as the board for Midland and Lee/Legacy High School Youth Centers.  It was also during the 90’s that Ken became the team chaplain for the Midland RockHounds and helped them achieve the Bowie Kuhn Award for Baseball Chapel in 2010. He would conduct chapel for the RockHounds as well as the visiting team, where freezers of homemade ice cream and Momma’s brownies were a staple.

In 1999, Ken was an instrumental part of the 4B board that brought the Scharbauer Sports Complex to the Midland community. In 2015 Ken was recognized as one of the 52 Faces of Midland by Midland Magazine. His recommendations for success in building community include setting a goal, working hard to achieve that goal, and don’t ever, ever, ever give up.

Having been named a Distinguished Alumni at his alma mater Winters High School in 2022, Ken wanted to make sure deserving students had a way to further their education through scholarships.  Coming from spare means himself, he wanted to make sure they had a way to make their dream of higher education a reality.

His achievements were many, but none made him prouder than his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. We are the people we have become because of our Dad’s (and Mom’s) love, sacrifice, and example. Proverbs 20:7-“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”

Ken is survived by his children, Jamie (Tim) Skaggs of College Station, TX, John David (Suzan) Marks, Lane Marks of Midland, TX, and Julie (Rocky) Jackson of Newark, TX.  He is survived by eight grandchildren:  Brian Skaggs of College Station, TX, Miranda (Luke) Dodson of Nacogdoches, TX, Erin (Brandon) Whitford of San Angelo, TX, Travis (Amanda) Marks of Los Angeles, CA, Hannah and Aaron Marks of Austin, TX, Kendal (Diego) Gonzalez of Broomfield, CO, and Brode Jackson of Newark, TX.  Ken also leaves eight great-granchildren: Pascal, Dwell, Wynslo, and Rouseau Dodson, Judah, Elijah, Micah, and Rory Whitford.  Also surviving Ken are several nieces, nephews, and many, many dear friends that are like family.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, his brother ‘Quincey’ R.Q. Marks, sister Lema Rae Dorst, as well as his beloved wife, Marylea, and a host of family that has gone before him.  What a great reunion they must be having!

The family would like to express their gratitude towards Drs. Vikram Vadyala, John Truelson, Douglas Colson, and Raj Patel, Gentiva Hospice of Midland, Home Instead, Angels Home Health and the staff at Scharbauer Cottage of Manor Park in Midland for their loving care throughout his extended illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Permian Basin FCA or Midland Education Foundation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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