Roy D. Mark of Victoria, Texas passed away on May 30 in Pleasanton, Texas. Roy had suffered a stroke in March. He passed away peacefully early in the morning with his daughter Glynda by his side.
Roy was born July 27, 1926 in Celeste, Texas to Jess and Grace O’Barr Mark. In 1940 Roy moved with his family to Pearland, Texas. The Mark family was very involved in the Pearland community then and remains so today.
Roy graduated from Pearland High School in 1943 where he played football and basketball and developed a lifelong love of sports. In 1950 he married Jo Ann Suttle of Texas City, Texas.
Roy attended the University of Houston for two years studying geology, which led him to the petroleum production and drilling industry. Roy and Jo Ann moved to New Orleans where they enjoyed the local culture and he became an expert in off shore oil production.
They moved to Victoria in 1960. Roy had a 35-year career with the Dia-Log Company, where he served as district manager in Victoria for many years. He was an integral part of the company as it expanded to become a global leader in oil well production recovery services. As the district manager for Dia-Log in Victoria, Roy managed a fleet of equipment and crews serving the oil production industry. He was well known in the South Texas oil business and was sought after for his expertise.
Upon retirement he and Jo Ann enjoyed exploring the country in their motor home. They traveled extensively and ventured far up into Alaska and Canada. After a period of traveling and exploring, Roy and Jo Ann settled on Grand Marais as their summer home. They spent summers on the shores of Lake Superior near the Canadian border where they made many new friends and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Roy was a regular at the Blue Water Café in Grand Marais and loved socializing with his new community.
Roy was also an accomplished woodworker and cabinetmaker. He specialized in choosing the finest woods and beautiful hand-rubbed finishes. In his impressive woodshop he made lovely heirloom furniture that he would give away to friends and family. A history buff, Roy liked to interpret historical furniture designs, such as 18th century spice chests, and turn them into modern pieces. Many friends and relatives have memories of Roy in their homes as they look upon beautiful hand crafted chests, armoires, porch swings, etc., that were gifts from him. Roy recently completed a large roll top desk based on a classic design from the 1800s.
Roy was an avid reader and loved sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Texas Longhorns, where his two sons graduated from college. He was known for a near photographic memory and could accurately recount sports statistics from years past and recite poems or song lyrics from the 1930s and 1940s.
Roy loved visiting with family members and old friends. If a topic unfamiliar to him came up in a discussion he would research it thoroughly and always follow-up. Roy was dedicated to his family and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jo Ann Suttle Mark; daughter Glynda Martin and husband Johnny; son Boyd Mark and wife Lisa; grandchildren Jahnna Heirholzer and her husband Kevin, Mark Martin and his wife Brandy, Isabella and Elena Mark; great-grandchildren Jace, Kiley, Whitney and brother John “Mickey” Mark and wife Carleen of Pearland.
His older son Roy Suttle Mark preceded him in death in 2010, and also his older brothers Jess Mark Jr., Eugene Mark and sisters Dorothy Mark Givens and Eleanor Ruth Mark.
There will be no formal memorial service and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home, 118 W. Oaklawn Road, Pleasanton, Texas 78064.
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