Marquis Brent Whitley

Marquis (Mark) Brent Whitley of Bridgeport,Texas, passed away September 5, 2018 at the age of 71. Mark was born December 28, 1946 in San Saba, Texas, to Wanda Lee Badger Whitley and Alfred Ural “Pete” Whitley.

He will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 43 years, Ellen Lorraine Zimny Whitley and his daughters Regina “Gina” Whitley Lynette (Ned Andrew Solomon), Carol Ann Whitley Hickman (Jim), Angela “Angie” Denise Whitley (Jeromy Trask), and Julie Lorraine Whitley (Jay Hill). Mark had eight grandchildren – Skye, Lizzy, Kaitlyn, Bernie, Ashley, Gillian, Afton & Tyne and two great grandsons – Phillip & Samuel.

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He will be fondly remembered by his sister Cynthia “Cindy” June Whitley Tochterman (Jerry), many nieces & nephews and extended family. His parents and brother, Timothy “Tim” Wayne Whitley, preceded him in death.

Mark hired out for the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway in August 1965 in Beaumont, Texas. Through many mergers & acquisitions, he retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 2006. Characteristic of his ironic sense of humor, he always said, “I could never keep a job!” After retiring, Mark & Ellen moved to Wise County to enjoy their land and animals.

He loved fishing, tending the barbeque pit, cooking massive batches of chili, and working on his tractor and in the shop. In his later years, he especially loved woodworking as he crafted an altar, baptismal font, lectern, credence table and other items for his church.

In 2014, he & Ellen took the steps to create an Episcopal presence in Wise County. With the help of Bishop Rayford High, Jr., a new church plant was formed and eventually was named the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection.

It was Mark’s wish that there be no funeral. Instead, a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 905 S. Church Street, Decatur, Texas 76234, with a reception to follow.

Should you choose to honor Mark’s memory, please donate to your favorite charity in his name or donate to the church building fund by making checks payable to Wise Congregation, Inc. The address is PO Box 21, Decatur, Texas 76234.