Mark was born on July 25, 1945, in Chanute, Kansas, the son of Paul and Wauthena Jane Taylor. He graduated high school from Emporia High School in 1963, and then attended Emporia State University. Mark married Brenda A. Richards on January 18, 1969, at the First Congregational Church in Emporia, Kansas, where he was a member. They just celebrated 56 years of marriage this year. She survives of the home.

Mark will be greatly missed by the ones who loved him most; his wife, Brenda, Emporia, Kansas; daughter, Monica Taylor, Emporia, Kansas; grandchildren, Alyssa, Andon and Benzon Quirarte; brother-in-law, James (Mary) Richards, Wichita, Kansas; nephews, Nathan (Shelby) Richards, Arizona, Jarrod (Sandie) Rees, Texas, Ryan Richards, Wichita, Kansas; and niece, Kathleen (David) Almy, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister, Jane Rees; and brother-in-law, Norman Rees, JR.

Mark’s greatest joy in life was his family. He loved watching KU Basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also had a great love for dogs. Mark also served his country in the National Guard for five years, and worked at Burlington Northern Santa Fe for forty years.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church, 823 Merchant, Emporia, Kansas. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery, 1351 Road J, Emporia, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo or the Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.