Mark Boykin Obituary
Born in Lawton, OK, on August 26, 1957, Mark grew up in El Paso, graduated from Coronado High School and attended North Texas State University and UTEP. Never afraid to take chances, he lived life to the fullest and died peacefully at his home on February 28th, 2023.
Known for his sharp business acumen and networking, he became a local icon in the restaurant and bar industry. Mark embodied the notion that hard work pays off — he began his professional career bussing tables and eventually worked all the way up through management and eventually ownership of the El Paso City Limits, the Rib Hut, the Pershing Inn and Mark’s Cantina.
Mark touched so many lives and those who knew him will always remember him for his charisma, swagger, and the fun he brought with his boyish smile and prankster personality….no one was immune from his jokes or tall tales. He did not care about material wealth and his love for family and friends was unconditional.
Mark was forever an optimist and not one to hold a grudge. He often quoted the band Kansas:
I close my eyes
Only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind
It is no surprise one of his favorite songs was Free Bird by Lynard Skynard:
But if I stay here with you, girl
Things just couldn't be the same
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now
And this bird you cannot change
He is survived by his parents Bill Boykin, Sr., and Martha Parton; his soul-mate Robin James; his siblings Susan Gonzalez, Lisa Davis, Elizabeth Fels, and Tony Parton; and numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his brother Billy Boykin, Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held from 2:30pm-3:30pm on Saturday, March 04, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home-West.
Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.
People and places connected with Mark
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Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Jodie Hoover
May 8, 2023
To the Boykin Family
I just heard last week about Mark's passing and I know how much he will be missed by all of you,
Sparky touched thousands of lives and he will always be a very special and fond part of my heart and memories. His life and legacy are a very large part of the many thousands of friends he made everywhere and like many of the others who have shared a condolence and memory, he is a very special friend that I will miss dearly.
Rest In Peace Sparky
Sheree Norton-Ward
March 9, 2023
Oh, this breaks my heart. Boykin was my friend, my brother. I spent so much time at the City Limits; so many fun times together doing the Sun Bowl Media Host Committee. He was a such great guy, funny and charming, and a wonderful chef. When I left El Paso, he catered my "farewell" party at Aceitunas. He was one of the good guys!
Max Prestridge
March 9, 2023
To the Boykin Family,
I have known Mark most of my life. He was a super nice guy, and very engaging. Always enjoyed hist restaurants, and worked at Rib Hut for a short time. Good memories. My condolences.
Max Prestridge
Lisa K. Sidransky
March 5, 2023
Will miss you, your were my classmate, neighbor, ever since I've lived in El Paso still here. Hug service turnout, an we drank too you one last time at Lloyd pub, thank you for touching my heart Lisa K.Sidransky
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Chuck Mccammon
March 5, 2023
Only the good die young.., save me a seat at the heavenly cantina, until we meet again. Rest in Peace Brother
Grace Saenz
March 4, 2023
My prayers are with you my dear
friend Martha and your family. Mark was a remarkable person with a beautiful spirit and it showed especially in his love for you
Keith Henderson
March 4, 2023
Mark was very good person and very good friend to my brother DONNIE
Barbara Delgado
March 3, 2023
Will always remember all the good times we had! Will miss you mucho!
Mike Franco
March 2, 2023
Offering our condolences from our family to yours
You will be missed Amigo!
Mike &Karla Franco
David Escobar
March 2, 2023
One good Man and Friend will truly miss you...Rocco alias David Escobar...
Rocky Ontiveros
March 2, 2023
I moved to Austin in 2017 after living in EP for most of my life. I was wearing a Chihuahua's baseball cap while sitting at a restaurant and it kicked off a small conversation with a stranger who recognized the cap logo. He said he enjoyed visiting El Paso and enjoyed hanging out at a place named Mark's Cantina. He said the owner made him feel like they were lifelong friends. I replied by telling him Mark made everyone feel that way. Rest in Peace Amigo!
Marina
March 2, 2023
To the one and only, Mark Boykin...Knocking on Heaven´s door!
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