Mark Taylor

April 7, 1961 - April 15, 2009

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Monday 4/20, 4:00 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Mark Hill Taylor, 48, of Midland, died peacefully Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at a local hospital. Graveside services will be held Monday, April 20th at 3:00 pm at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N Big Spring. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N Garfield, with the Reverend Cheryl Homsher officiating. Mark was born in Akron, Ohio on April 7, 1961 to Leslie G. Taylor, Jr. and Jane Hill Taylor. He spent his early childhood years in Amherst, Ohio then moved with his family to El Paso, Texas in 1969 and to Litchfield Park, Arizona in 1970. He graduated from Agua Fria Union High School in Avondale, Arizona in 1979 and received a B.S. degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1983 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Mark moved to Midland, Texas in 1984 and began work as a geophysicist with J.W. Humbard and Associates, and later Fasken Oil and Ranch Interests, where he also helped manage the company's investments. In 1999 he left the oil industry to be a manager for the Joe Parsley family where he was instrumental in acquiring the financing for the land to build the present Midland Fair Havens' facility. Mark utilized his life-long interest in the financial markets when he went to work for Merrill Lynch from 2000-2005. He was proud to have held the record for the highest score on the Series 7 exam in the West Texas area when he became a registered representative. He was a Financial Advisor with Southwest Securities from 2005-2007. Since then, Mark consulted independently. Mark married Mary Elizabeth Tarver on April 28, 1990. Survivors include his wife of almost 19 years and their children, Sarah Catherine, Melissa Alice, Caroline Jane and John Hill, all of Midland; parents, Dr. and Mrs. Leslie G. Taylor, Jr. of Litchfield Park, AZ; and brothers Leslie G. Taylor, III of Phoenix, Arizona, Stuart D. Taylor and son Garrett of Lakeland, FL, and Neil W. Taylor of Safety Harbor, FL. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Mark was involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, was on the Board of Safe Place and on the Board of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Mission. He also served as President of the Foundation Board at St. Luke's United Methodist Church and as an Elder and Finance Committee Chairman at Grace Presbyterian Church. Mark was a member of the West Texas Geophysical Society and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Mark considered his greatest accomplishment in life to be his four wonderful children. Despite his own physical limitations due to the disease adrenomyeloneuropathy, he received much joy from helping others in need. He will be remembered for his heart of compassion, great intellect, high integrity and quirky humor. Mark touched many people's lives and will also be remembered for his great courage and strong faith in facing life's challenges. The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to everyone at Select Specialty Hospital for their compassionate care of Mark and their loving support of the family. The family requests that memorials be made to ALD Foundation, 9906 S. Maplewood Ave., Tulsa, OK 74137. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Map

Monday 4/20, 4:00 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Map

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I met Mark when our family moved to Arizona. We lived across the street. I used to babysit his younger brothers and help his mom out when she had dinner parties. Mark and I went to Agua Fria High School together. We were never really close friends, but I knew him well enough to know that he was a Great Guy. Sounds like he also turned out to be a Great Man...he will be greatly missed. Love Debbie & Family

Our thoughts and Prayers are with each of you. We often think of our friends that made living on Metz such a wonderful experience. We are so sorry for the loss of Mark. He was a wonderful and kind person. cappy sanders

To the entire Taylor Family, May your memories comfort you and your faith guide you during this time. It is my prayer that Mark's children never cease to hear and share stories of their Dad. Although I did not know him personally, I grew to know Neil and Mrs. Taylor during high school. From knowing them, there is no doubt this fine family now has a caring angel watching over them. Christ's Peace, Rebecca Ozuna Daniel

Dear Jane, Les & Family, Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very sad time!

May God's peace and loving hands hold you through this painful time. We feel as though we knew Mark well, through the many times Neil spoke so highly and fondly of his brother. God bless you always, and our sympathy and prayers are with your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Les and Jane, please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your son, Mark. You have our deepest sympathies. Words seems inadequate at this time.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mark's family.

Dear Jane, Less and all Taylors, My special thoughts are with you at this time. Losing a child is a difficult concept and wanted you to know that I understnad and wish I could help in some small way. I know Marry will be nurtured by the love from all of your family. No one beats the Taylors when it comes to family. Call if there is anything I can do from here and I will wait to hear from you when you return. Fondly, Sonja

Dear Jane and Les, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know your pain and can only say that time doesn't heal our hurt but with faith and loving memories, it does help us accept. Mark gave us all inspiration as he battled so long and couragesously. We pray for his rightful peace in God's loving arms. And we pray for your peace knowing you did your utmost for him and he knew your love. Fondly, Bill and Barbara

Mark became my friend the first day we moved into the same office at J.W. Humbard and Associates in 1983. What fun we had. I was a lowly Geologist and he was a highly esteemed Geological Engineer according to Mark. I told him I was not sure it was legal since his degree came from the University of Arizona where they gave degrees away and not Texas Tech. Never the less he was my friend and financial advisor. When I left Midland for Central Texas I wanted Mark to remain my advisor. Mark had my total trust, to the point he did not have to call me when he made adjustments to my portfolio even though he always did. Needless to say I have lost a friend as have others. My heart and prayers go out to you that have lost your husband, father, son and brother. He will be missed and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. The one thing I know is that I will see him again, and he will be better than ever. Marc Hellinghausen and Family

To the Taylor Family, I am sadden to hear of the passing of Mark. Mark and I graduated together from Agua Fria Union High School in Avondale back in 1979. We played together on the basketball teams as we went through AF. Mark was quick witted and always seemed to never have a bad day. I hadn't spoken to Mark since we graduated but know that he had an impact in my life with the time we spent together in high school. May you sorrow be silenced with those prayers from me and others that send out to Mark and his family. Sincerely, Mark Gonzales Sr. and family

Dear Taylor Family: I met Mark in the early 80's through a good friend, Lawrence Downing. Though my time with Mark was limited, I was saddened by news of his passing. Much of what Lawrence shared with me in respect to Mark's life made my heart swell with joy. Again, I met Mark in the early 80's and only a few times; however, I knew then that this man was a good man. Mark's quick wit and willingness to absorb well intended ribbing added to his overall persona; that of a smart, caring and forward thinking gentleman. It is my prayer that your family grows closer to each other as well as closer to Christ as a living tribute to Mark's great strides in his young life to know, love and serve God in all that he devoted himself toward. Thank you God for allowing me to experience Your creation, Your image in Mark. May he rest in peace. In Christ, Ron Enderle Corpus Christi, Texas

Dear Taylors, Our prayers are for your healing of the tremendous void placed in your life with Mark's passing. Mark was a very unique individual who's intellelect always amazed me. I remember some very interesting times and moments when he and I worked together at J.W. Humbard back in the early 80's. I always looked to Mark for guidance and advice during those days. He was always a stalwart of reason and sense when nothing else made sense. I will miss his humor and his stories of his days at U of A. There is peace in knowing that he free of all his ailments and that he is resting in God's arms. 'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds' Lawrence R. Downing and Family.

Mary, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. My prayer for you & your precious family is that the Lord deliver a peace upon your hearts as your reflect on the many Blessings you have shared over the years. The Lord is in control and though it is often hard for us to understand, His timing is always right. Mark's life was ripe & ready for picking and now he is enjoying a much needed rest until the Lords returns for his people. Hold fast to the promise that you will see him again. With Love Always, Cindy

Mark was one of the nicest and brightest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. We were co-workers at Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd., and his quick wit and gentle manner was always an encouragement and help to me. It was a blessing to know him. My prayers and sympathy for the family. Love, Martha Bomar

Mary, Sarah, Melissa, Caroline & John, I am so saddened to learn of Mark's death. I know it has been a long, difficult struggle all these years, but you have been such a sweet family. You know you are very special to me. I am remembering you in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the love & strength you need to get through these sad & trying days ahead. Love to you all, Anita Patton

Dear Mary, Sarah, Melissa, Caroline and John: We were so sorry to hear of your loss of Mark, your friend/father/husband. We grieve with you as you mourn your tremendous loss. You can take comfort in knowing that he is now free of his wheelchair and the malady that put him there. Pax vobiscum, Julie & Barry Wilson

I have so many fond memories of visiting with the "Arizona Taylors" in Grandpa's garden, at the part, in the yard, during visits to Ohio. I still have Mark's picture of his first haircut with dad, he was a cutey! Our thoughts are with everyone and I wish I could be there. Love, Terri

A candle was lit by Sue Starnes on 2009/04/18

Mary, I was so sad to hear of Mark's passing. Kirk and I will keep you and your children in our prayers. When we get to Midland nexxt time, we will have to stop by--I would love to see all of you. Again, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Annette and Kirk Smith

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A candle was lit by Brent and Amy Boyd and family on 2009/04/17

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.