Mark Allen Derryberry's Obituary
Mark Allen Derryberry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend; born Saturday, May 2, 1959 in Sherman, Texas to his loving parents, John Allen & S. Joann (Storey) Derryberry; went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his loving family by his side. A longtime resident of the Tulsa area, Mark was raised in Idabel, Oklahoma before leaving home to attend Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the fall of 1977. During the spring 1978, while attending his biology class Mark met and befriended a classmate that he later discovered was the love of his life. After several months their friendship blossomed into a relationship and after a year they were engaged in the fall of 1978. In May of 1979 they began their lives together and started a family; while Mark’s beloved wife completed her degree he worked to support their family as a cook at various restaurants, an auto sales associate, a correctional officer, and referee for youth sports. After receiving his BA in criminal justice, he subsequently worked for DHS in the AFDC, and as a Child Welfare Investigator. He continued education at night, and after four years, Mark accomplished this goal and received his Juris Doctorate from the Tulsa School of Law at Tulsa University. He was sworn in as a licensed attorney in April 1995 and subsequently began his private practice of family law. But Mark didn’t ever let school or work hinder him from spending time with his family. He served as the family vacation planner and activity coordinator. In addition, he made time for his church, even sitting on the board at Crossroads Church and the Church School Board for many years; including assisting of the rebuild of the church when it burned down in 2003. In his free time, Mark enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia and serving the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts troops as Scout Master. But what Mark was truly passionate about was his family that he loved so dearly. Fond memories will always will be cherished of Mark. The greatest roll he performed was as a father. He will be deeply missed by all those who had their lives touched by him. Mark is preceded in death by his loving father, John Allen Derryberry; his dearly loved sister, Becky Derryberry; his loving paternal grandparents, John Wesley & Mary Derryberry; his loving maternal grandparents, Joseph & Loraine Storey. Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Allene Derryberry; his loving sons, JohnMark Derryberry and James Joseph “J.J.” Derryberry; his daughter-in-law Lee Derryberry; his two precious grandsons, Shelton Derryberry and Houston Derryberry; his loving mother, S. Joann Derryberry; his loving sister, Debra Foley; his niece, Brittany Davidson and her son Jett; his nephew, Evan Foley; his dear aunts, Judy Storey, Jan Anderson and Betty Derryberry and numerous other loving family members and friends. A visitation will be held Friday, November 4, 2016 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home Rose Chapel. Services have been entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home, Floral Shop, Crematory & Memorial Gardens, 6500 S. 129th E Avenue; Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that a donation be made to either the ACLJ, the Boy Scouts of America or the National Park Reserves in Mark’s name. To send the family your condolences please visit www.floralhaven.com.
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