Reverend Mark Lloyd Deeter

Mark Lloyd Deeter, age 76 of Topeka passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at St. Francis Hospital. Mark was born March 29th 1941 in Topeka the son of Loyde and Mary Longaker Deeter. Mark grew up on the Deeter family farm north east of Topeka. He attended Gage Elementary (K-3) and Sunbeam Elementary and graduated from Seaman-Logan High School in 1959. He graduated from Prairie Bible Institute (1963) and then received a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Washburn University. He then attended the University of Kansas School of Religion. He became an ordained minister in November 4, 1968. Mark married Barbara Anne Johnson August 6, 1966 in North Platte, NE. Together they served at Grace Baptist Church since 1968. Mark enjoyed working at the family farm throughout his life. He worked with Marvin Davidson at the Davidson Funeral Home for over 20 years. Mark volunteered with several organizations in Topeka such as the Topeka Rescue Mission, Youth For Christ, served as President of the Oakland Community Ministers, served as Seaman High School Alumni Chaplain, Seaman High School Hall of Fame Chairman, member of the Shawnee Choral Group and the Washburn University Alumni Association. Mark enjoyed playing softball, volleyball and participating in the Kansas Senior Olympics. He also enjoyed riding his bike. Mark worked as a bus driver while attending Washburn University. Mark felt very strong about leadership in the community for equal rights and religions rights. Mark was truly a beacon of hope in the Topeka community.

He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Barbara; children Valerie Wente and her husband, Chris of Hays, Kansas,  Christina Bastianen and her husband, Pete in Wheaton, Il.,  MaLaura Deeter and her husband, Alan Neal of Wakeeney, KS.,  Luke Deeter and his significant, Emilee of Topeka,  John Deeter and his wife, Tausha of Topeka,  Barbara Cianciarulo and her significant, Joe of Topeka, Kathleen Deeter and her significant, Kyle of McPherson, KS, 15 grandchildren, Ty, John Paul, Nathanial, Grace, Brinlee, Lois, Matthew, Jacob, Aydin, Mark, Ben, Cain, Elizabeth, Parker and Timber, and two brothers Gary Deeter and his wife, Florence and Craig Deeter, both of Topeka.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Grace Baptist Church from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Per the family’s request, Sunday service will be for family and church members. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Grace Baptist Church and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com

“I am where I’m supposed to be. I am on the path heaven gave me. I am not afraid to live. Guidance is always with me. I am following my bliss.”