Obituaries

A Celebration of Life for Stephen Mark Price, 59, will be held May 17, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Dannel Funeral Home, Sherman, TX. Phil Smith, a friend, will speak, though all attending are welcomed to share memories of Mark. Stephen Mark Price was born on February 12, 1958 in Dallas TX. Shortly after high school, he began his career with Otis Elevator as an engineer. His job was based in Wichita Falls, TX and later in Santa Fe NM, both of which demanded extensive travel and hours. October 9 th , 1981 Mark married Kim Rankins and together they had a daughter, Amber Nicole and son, Stephen Jacob. Though Mark and Kim later divorced, they stayed friends with a focus on the well-being of their children, and caring for each other through difficult times. His greatest pride in life was in his children and his beautiful grandchildren who called him “Papa”. Mark lived life on his own terms, unique in many ways. He held little value in possessions or money. "Do all the good you can" was the motto for Mark's life. He gave so much to others and lived very simply. He never expected anything in return and when kindness was shown to him, it would often bring tears to his eyes. He was so grateful and tender hearted. What Mark did value highly was family, friends, kindness, honesty, simplicity, and the beauty of the mountains and nature in general. Nothing brought a sparkle to his eyes more than reminiscing about his many camping and fishing trips with his son Jacob. After retiring, Mark lived his dream. He traveled from state to state, stopping and camping where he found great beauty in nature. This would be interrupted periodically whenever there was a need in his family, but when all was good, back to the mountains he would go. There was the peace for his soul. . Mark made good and lasting friends wherever he went, and as well had some special relationships that meant so much to him. In January, 2016, Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer while in Colorado. Mark’s sister, Michelle, came to Colorado to support him and help him get to Texas. The Samaritan Aviation flew him “home” to Texas, where he was met with major support from his family. Mark fought so very hard to beat cancer. Linda Carpenter took Mark into her home to care for him while he fought. With the amazing efforts of Dr. Amir Faridi, Texas Oncology-Sherman, his family, and the open home of Linda Carpenter, Mark proved the doctors wrong and beat cancer. Unfortunately, as he was beating cancer, his beloved father was losing his battle with cancer. This was such a devastating loss to him and his family. But Mark believed there was a purpose he had yet in life, one of which was to be there for his grief-stricken mother; and so he was. In March, 2017, he fell, breaking his hip. Sending him into a downward spiral and Mark decided he was ready to depart this earth. Mark's spirit departed this earth peacefully on May12th, 2017. He leaves behind his mother, Nelda Ann Price; daughter, Amber Price; son, Jacob Price; grandchildren Jade Lucero, Conlan Dennis, Jaela Price, Marcus Allan Leija Jr. and Ava Price; Sisters Michelle Johnson, Marsha Vastano, Jana Chapman; friend and Sister Linda Carpenter; and Brother Jim Price, Aunt Judy and Uncle Willie Yandell, cousin David (JD) Varnell. Also, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and many other family and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his father Ronnie C. Price. Special thanks go to Samaritan Aviation, Dr. Amir Farid, Texas Oncology-Sherman, Plano Medical City, and Home Hospice-Grayson Co. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Samaritan Aviation, out of Montrose, CO and based at 4710 E Falcon Dr #217, Mesa, Arizona. Mark will be greatly missed and never forgotten by all who knew him