Jay “Mark” Denton, 67, of Borger, Texas, formerly of Pampa, slipped from this life into eternal rest with his family at his side on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in his daughter’s home. He was born on November 24, 1954, in Anchorage, Alaska to John and Eulis Denton.
As a preacher’s family, they moved several places during their growing family years, but during his High School years they lived in Fritch, Texas where Mark graduated from Sanford – Fritch High School then shortly afterwards, he enlisted into the US Army on the buddy system with another fellow classmate. He entered active duty on August 6, 1973, and was honorably discharged three years later on August 5, 1976. While active, he graduated from the Automotive Repair School with Honors and served his tenure as a mechanic in the 226th Maintenance Company. During his service, he and wife, Sheree Brink (Doll) were stationed on base in Oklahoma and after his discharge, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and raised their two daughters, Carrie and Krista while owning and operating Northwest Automotive.
In 1992, Mark married Melissa Day (Harris) and in 1993, they returned to Texas and raised their daughter Cassi in the Pampa area. He was employed with Bob Johnson Motors in Borger, followed by John Deere in Pampa, and finalized his career with National Oilwell Varco as a field service mechanic.
Mark was most comfortable and, in his element, while outdoors. He was most content when he was holding a fishing pole, pitching a tent, sighting a deer in his scope, or simply scanning the horizon with his keen eye for wildlife in the distance. No matter what, he had a special gift at making every camping trip memorable – even at his own expense on occasion! Mark was a “Jack -of-All Trades” Handyman that was always ready to help anyone. Not one for awkward, silent situations, or tension in the air, Mark definitely didn’t hold his tongue or hesitate to blurt out his thoughts to break the ice.
Laughter always seemed to follow Mark’s presence in the room and his uncanny ability to lighten a situation will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eulis.
He leaves to cherish his spontaneous chaos, his three daughters, Carrie Denton of Albuquerque, NM, Krista Denton and partner Jacob Morrow of Edgewood, NM, Cassi Perryman and husband Tyler of Borger; four siblings, Johnna Layton and husband Bob of Las Cruces, NM, Larry Denton and wife Liz of Borger, Sue Vallaster and husband Joe of Shattuck, OK, Daryl Denton and wife Angie of Alvord, TX; five grandchildren whom he devoted the latter years of his life to, Colleen Kofsky, Raistlin Johnson, EmberLynn Perryman, Elizabeth Perryman, Emmersyn Perryman and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
If donations are a preference, the family asks they be made to the charity of choice in honor of Mark.
Celebration of Life Memorial services are scheduled for 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at The Harbor, 708 N. Hobart Street, Pampa with his brothers, Larry and Daryl as well as nephew, Michael officiating. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Should you wish to leave condolences for the family on Mark’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.
