Mark Whiteley
Mark Wayne Whiteley, 70, of Lumberton, was called home on Sunday, October 6, 2019. Mark was born on June 23, 1949, in Longview, Texas, to Paula and J.B. Whiteley II. Mark, along with his siblings Johnnie and Jennifer, moved half a dozen times across the great state of Texas in support of his father’s career as an educator. As a result, Mark knew well the places and people of East Texas from Bryan to Beaumont and, more frequently than not, had a story about an elementary school friendship, football game or obscure fact for many of the towns in the piney woods.
Mark’s travels eventually saw him enroll in Texas A&M, where he joined the Corps of Cadets and began his studies as a Civil Engineer. Regrettably, Mark was unable to pursue his dream of flying for the Air Force when he failed to pass the medical qualification due to his astigmatism. Devastated at the news and searching for a new purpose in life, Mark left A&M to seek his fortune in the oilfields around Beaumont. Demonstrating the stubbornness and audacity that would become well-known hallmarks of his character, Mark not only found employment in the oilfield, but he also married his boss’ daughter, Gloria Ann Valka – who agreed to marry him on the condition that he finish his education. Like most lovestruck men, Mark did as Gloria instructed and promptly enrolled in Lamar University.
After graduating from Lamar as a Civil Engineer, Gloria and Mark set out to make their own destiny together. First as an employee of the Corps of Engineers and later in private practice, Mark used his determination and ability to push his career further and faster – eventually opening his own business with 100 dollars and Gloria’s typewriter in 1978. With a baby at home and one on the way, Mark bet it all on his resolve and his grit – and he was committed to not letting that dream fail. Mark, a young upstart, forced himself into the civil engineering and land surveying market, where he built a well-known and highly regarded brand based on loyalty, integrity and relentless pursuit of customer service.
Over the next 40 years, Mark not only built a successful business, but he also invested his time heavily in his community. Driven to “leave the world better than he found it” Mark gave his time and resources to many people and organizations, including the Boy Scouts, the YMBL, the FFA/Young Farmers, the City of Lumberton, the City of Beaumont and anyone else who needed a hand. He particularly enjoyed supporting the youth livestock auctions.
Mark strongly believed that the best way to be a leader was to serve those you lead and to never ask anyone to do anything that you would not do yourself. As a result, he could frequently be found standing in a flooded street or surveying a concrete pour – often while wearing a suit for a meeting later that day. It would give him comfort to know that those who knew him now carry on his legacy of bettering our community. The world, and each of us, are better for having known Mark.
Mark is survived by his wife, Gloria Whiteley, of Lumberton; children, Jason Whiteley and his wife, Jana, of Rye, New York; Adam Whiteley and his wife, Cinnamon, of South Riding, Virginia; and Frances Currie and her husband, Paul, of Rowlett, Texas; grandchildren, Noah Whiteley, Dominik Whiteley, Anastasia Whiteley, Ethan Whiteley, Emma Whiteley, Ainsley Currie, and Carter Currie; siblings, Johnnie B. Whiteley III and his wife, Sherry, of Hockley, Texas and Jennifer Carlton and her husband, Lee, of Groveton, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A gathering of Mr. Whiteley’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2019, at Woodcrest United Methodist Church, 1684 Highway 96, Lumberton. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Woodcrest United Methodist Church, Lumberton, with his interment to follow at Guedry Cemetery, Batson, under the direction of Broussard’s 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation in the name of the recently established Gloria and Mark Whiteley Agricultural Scholarship. The Whiteley Scholarship is a specially designated fund established to enable first-time young farmers in Lumberton to purchase an auction animal to raise. Checks may be mailed to Lumberton Education Foundation, PO Box 8551, Lumberton, Texas 77657.
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Guedrey Cemetery
Guedrey Cemetery
- 11713 batson prairie rd. batson tx 77519
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 1684 Highway 96, Lumberton, Texas 77657
- 10/12/2019
- 10:00 am
Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
- 1684 Highway 96, Lumberton, Texas 77657
- 10/11/2019
- 8:24 am
Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
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Clare Cammack
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are heartbroken to hear the news of Mark's passing. He put up a great fight till the end, and i pray God will grant you all peace & strength during the days, weeks, months to come.. Please know you are all in our prayers. With much love, Dean & Clare Cammack & family
Bob Currie
When we met in engineering classes at Lamar in the 70’s, little did we know we would raise our kids together and that two of them would marry each other. It was great being part of each other’s family, and you will be sorely missed by all.
Elias Assaf
My deepest condolences to Gloria and the family . I am sure he is resting in the presence of Our Lord and Savior in a house not made with hands , eternal in the Heaven . He will be greatly missed by anyone who have met him . Lots of love Elias Assaf
Jody Lambright
RIP Bro Mark. Sure enjoyed getting to know you through the years! I’ am a better man and mason from having known you! To the family I’m so sorry for your loss. Mark was a one of a kind guy!
Patricia Cook
Our family's hearts ache hearing of your loss. May peace come to reign within each eah of the family members hearts. God bless....RIP Mark.
Ruby & Wayne Alexander
Our prayers are with all of your family. The few times we were in your dads presents he was always kind and special.
Michele Hobgood
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Mark! He was a good man and a generous employer. I had the opportunity to work for him for a couple of years and he inspired me to learn and do more. My thougjts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Teresa and Paul MCCoy
He touched so many children’s lives through his giving heart. He supported our daughter and her FFA endeavors. He and Mrs. Whitely encouraged her to pursue her education in Agricultural Business and I will never be able to repay the gratitude I owe them. It is with great appreciation to them she is a graduate of Tarleton State. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Ed and Bonny Trahan
We were so bereaved to learn of the loss of our friend and neighbor. Mark was the kind of neighbor that you knew you could reach out to at any time and he would be there in whatever way possible wearing a smile. There are not many people in this world today that still have those qualities. Our condolences and prayers are with all of you that God may grant you peace as you walk thru this rough time. Please know that even though we have moved, we are only a phone call away for anything.
Brian White
Gloria, my most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
Stephanie Stevens Plake
Adam, it was with great sadness that I learned of your father's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and I hope that in a small way they help you and your family through these trying times..
Sean & Sarah Ghaoui
Dear Gloria & Family: Our Deepest condolences to you and to every person that Brother Mark knew. We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Bro. Mark Our Thoughts & Prayer are with you during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed May our brother Mark rest in peace Sean & Sarah Ghaoui
Aaron Mikkelsen
What an incredible story of perseverance, love and family. My deepest condolences to all of the Whiteley family on your loss.
Linda Kelley BRIDGES
Gloria & family, My heart hurts for you with the loss of Mark. He was always busy whether repairing your mailbox or on his tractor. The community has lost a vibrant person who loved people. It didn't matter if he had not seen you in months or years he still remembered who you were. Always a friendly man never boastful, just down to earth. I will miss seeing him outside as I drive by the house. My prayers are with you.
Cat Carroll
The first time I spoke to Mark Whiteley, he used his “formally and seriously displeased “ voice, and I was afraid. Very afraid... Soon, however, I came to know and appreciate that fiercely loyal and loving man I was proud to have called my friend. The good will live long after this man.. Always, Cat
Valerie Valka
With extreme sadness I send my condolences to my family that is mourning the loss of such an amazing man. My heart aches for this loss especially for my beloved Aunt Gloria and my cousins. I send my love to you all. I love you Uncle Mark and I will never forget you!
Dab Bell
Mark was a very good friend and supporter. He always had an encouraging word and expressed a real concern about how others were doing. I was deeply sadden to hear of his passing.. Gloria and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
thankyou so much i loved my grandparents thankyou