Mark Whitney Taylor

Mark Whitney Taylor, a beloved figure in Southwest Oklahoma, passed away on May 31, 2024, at Magnolia Nursing and Therapy in Altus, Oklahoma, at the age of eighty-one. Born on November 22, 1942, to Sol Taylor and Armenta Taylor. He was raised and educated in Wichita Falls, Texas, Mark's journey was marked by his passion for football, which blossomed during his high school years. As a remarkably talented tackle, he contributed to Wichita Falls Senior High's state championships in 1958 and 1959, although they narrowly lost the championship in 1960 to a young Roger Starbuck-led team.
After graduating high school in 1960, Mark earned a full scholarship to Cameron University, playing football, where he pursued a degree in business administration. He furthered his education at Midwestern State University before embarking on a career at Sheppard Area Credit Union in 1964. It was there that his fondness for credit unions was ignited. In 1968, Mark was named president of Texoma Government & Industrial Employees Credit Union. He developed a strong reputation in the credit union industry as a strong leader and a visionary in the industry. In 1979 he was recruited to Red River Credit Union in Altus, Oklahoma. During his tenure Red River Credit Union saw unprecedented growth and expansion. Seeing the construction of a new main office, and new locations on Altus Air Force Base and a location in Lawton. His tenure as President and CEO spanned an impressive thirty-eight years until his retirement on January 1, 2017. Even in retirement, Mark remained dedicated to Red River Credit Union, serving on its board and considering its staff as family. He served on numerous state boards, such as Texas Credit Union League, Board of Oklahoma Corporate Credit Union, President of the Defense Credit Union Sub Council and was elected to the Oklahoma Credit Union League Audit Committee in 2001. He was a member of the Oklahoma Cattleman's Association and a member of the Red River FCU Board of Directors since 2007 and remained until his passing.
Mark's personal life was equally rich. At the tender age of five, he met Suzanne Lofton, who would become his lifelong partner. Their childhood friendship blossomed into a romance, and they were married on April 16, 1976, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Together, they were blessed with four children: Kyle, Charles, Kim, and Jeffrey. Mark's love for ranching and cattle led him to purchase land north of Altus, where he nurtured his passion over the years, eventually building his and Suzanne's dream home on their tranquil ranch.
Known for his genuine interest in people, Mark was a curious conversationalist who never shied away from asking questions. He was a member of Martha Baptist Church and had been baptized at Wichita Falls First Baptist Church in his youth. In his leisure time, he enjoyed riding around his ranch with his dog, Thunder in the passenger seat, together they inspected and counted his black angus cows, following college football, particularly the Texas Longhorns and OSU Cowboys, and later developed a deep appreciation for women's softball and basketball, inspired by his granddaughters' involvement in the sports.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Sol Taylor; his mother, Armenta Taylor; his daughter, Kim Rhoten; his grandson, Dalton Taylor, and his constant companion, his dog Thunder.
Left to honor his memory and uphold his legacy are his beloved wife Suzanne, his sister Mrs. Charm Cansler; his three sons Kyle and wife Wendy Taylor, Charles Taylor, and Jeffrey Taylor; his grandchildren Drey, Michael, Cody, Brooke, Victoria, Kelly, Jesse and Cubb. There are also numerous other extended family members and friends.
Mark Taylor's legacy is one of devotion, passion, and unwavering commitment to both his family and his community.
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.