Mark Warren Whitlock

Mark Warren Whitlock, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, beloved principal, and coach, peacefully entered into the arms of his Lord on January 13, 2026, at the age of 76. Mark faced a long and courageous battle with ALS with strength, faith, and grace. Through every challenge, he remained steadfast in his love for his family and his trust in God. He is now whole, healed, and no longer suffering.
Mark was born on April 9, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, to L.D. and Oneta Whitlock. Following L.D.'s graduation from dental school, his family moved to Altus, where they raised four sons: Lowell, Mark, Dougie, and David. Mark attended Washington Elementary, Central Jr. High, and graduated from Altus High School in 1967. While at Central Jr. High, he met a cute twirler named Joy, who also had eyes for Mark. Mark's dad always teased him that Joy was only dating him because he was the football captain and would drop him when football season was over. Joy loved reminding him every year that they were still together! They celebrated 55 years together, proving his dad wrong!
Mark graduated from Altus Junior College in 1969, where he and Joy were voted Mr. and Miss AJC. He then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Gamma Fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1971. Mark and Joy moved back to Altus in 1972 to pursue their teaching careers. Mark continued his education at Southwestern and earned his Master's Degree in 1973. He then completed Graduate work through the University of Oklahoma and earned his Principals Certification in 1977 from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
During his career in Altus, Mark served as a teacher at Wilson Elementary for 6 years, a coach at Northeast Jr. High for 1 year, and the highlight of his career was serving 33 years as the Principal at Sunset Elementary. Sunset became his family and he took pride in his school, all of the staff, his teachers, and his students. In 2007-2008 and 2009-2010, Sunset received the prestigious Academic Achievement Award from the State Department of Education. Mark was named the Masonic Lodge Administrator of Today in 1986. He was named the District Administrator of the Year from the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals in 1995 and in 2009. He was the recipient of the Oklahoma Administrator Award from the Oklahoma Association of School Library Media Specialists in 1998-1999. Mark was a member of the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals and the CCOSA Leadership Academy. He served on the Board of Directors for the Altus All Sports Association and on the Great Plains Recreation Board for 23 years, contributing to the Youth Sports Program in Altus. He also served on many committees and was heavily involved with community activities. Mark was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School in the Youth Department for many years. Even as a young man, Mark always felt a calling to teach and to work with young kids. He loved coaching all three of his children, and so many other kids throughout the years.
After teaching 40 years with Altus Schools, Mark, along with his wife Joy, retired in 2012. They celebrated with a dream trip of a lifetime to Europe. They visited London, Switzerland, Venice, Paris, Rome, and Pompeii. They continued their travels to Niagara Falls, cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They were able to celebrate their 55th Anniversary with a trip to Hawaii. They also loved going to concerts to hear their favorite bands, especially the Beach Boys! However, their all-time favorite thing was attending all the grandkids activities and games. They pretty much made them all until it got too difficult for them to travel. Family has always been the most important thing to Mark, especially being "Pops" to his eight grandchildren.
After Mark's diagnosis with ALS, Mark and Joy were adopted by the Phi Delta Theta Gamma Fraternity in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Through their service project, Live Like Lou, the fraternity raised funds and offered support in every way possible to help those affected by ALS. Lou Gehrig, for whom the project is named, was a Phi Delt, as was Mark, both members of the same fraternity. The fraternity participated in the "Making Miles for Mark" fundraiser in Oklahoma City and made several trips to Altus to assist the Whitlocks with household chores and other needs. Mark and Joy were deeply blessed and grateful for the outpouring of love and support they received from countless friends, JCMH Home Health and Hospice, and the compassionate caregivers who lovingly cared for them throughout their difficult journey with ALS.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents L.D. and Oneta Whitlock, a brother Dougie, and a brother Lowell. Left to carry on his life and legacy are his loving and devoted wife, Joy, of 55 years, a daughter Tangie and husband Chris McMall, of Altus, a son Brian and wife Mandy, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and a daughter Melanie and husband Morgan MacKenzie, of Lubbock, Texas. Eight grandchildren: Madi and Jacob Gauna, Londyn and Brayden Whitlock, Avery, Alexa, and Anderson MacKenzie, and Logan McMall. Also a brother David Whitlock and his wife Lori, of Lebanon, Kentucky, and a sister-in-law Rebecca Whitlock of Wichita, Kansas. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews, a multitude of friends, and thousands of former students.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The ALS Association in honor of Mark Whitlock.
The Whitlock family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Friday, January 16, 2026, at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, Altus, with Dr. David Whitlock and Dr. Jeff Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the care of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.