Mark Perry

Mark Lee Perry, 75, passed away March 13, 2024, in Kingfisher.

He was born July 3, 1948, in Bloomington, Ill.

Mark was a kind soul, always seeking the positive in every situation and every person. His humor and quick wit could always make you chuckle. He cherished his roots and led a modest life with good intentions.

Mark valued his faith, family, friends, military service and his high school buddies, Tom Kirchner (deceased) and Gary Nine. The three of them joined the Navy in August 1966 on the buddy system.

Whenever Mark was in Arizona, they always got together.

Mark was a graduate of the Buena High School Class of 1966.

He was an outstanding athlete in football, wrestling and track, where he had many achievements in his position.

He was second in the state for high hurdles his senior year and third in the low hurdles. He could always be counted on to score points for the team in the high hurdles, low hurdles and high jump.

He was also a part of the 4x100 relay team consisting of Roy Manriquez, Mike Taylor (deceased) and Billy Huff.

Mark served in the Navy for three years where he received various training and earned two Bronze Stars for his Vietnam service on the USS Bennington: Meritorious unit commendation and a National Defense Service medal.

Mark was known for his vast knowledge and deep love for his country. Following his military service, he dedicated much of his life to police work.

After attending Cochise College, Mark began his career as a policeman in Sierra Vista in the early 1970s, later transitioning to become a firefighter in the same city.

Upon relocating to Kingfi sher in the late 1970s, he briefly worked for Pepsi before joining the local police/ sheriff’s office.

Mark concluded his career working for the prisons until his retirement. He was a fair and respected officer by many.

In his leisure time, Mark indulged in his passion for art through his collection of military vehicles and apparatus that he built and painted in detail. He was also an enthusiast of old cars.

Mark is survived by his children: Jennifer Perry Cruz (Shawn), Brandian Perry Edwards (Payton), Jeramie Perry (Crystal) and Tracy Perry Deshazo (Richard); his ex-wife, Jacqueline Perry; brothers Matthew Perry (Martha) and Richard Perry (Gloria); sister Mary Beth Perry Walling (Glenn); uncle James Denman (Di); numerous great-grandchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Denman cousins and his beloved pets, Rocky, Yoda and Timba.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Lee Perry; mother, Rita Denman Perry Castro; and sister, Rose Perry Reaves.

A service honoring Mark’s life will be held at Frontline Ministries in Kingfisher at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 19.

Sanders Funeral Home in Kingfisher is assisting with the arrangements.

Mark will be remembered for his unwavering positivity, dedication to service and love for his family, friends and country.