The world became a much brighter one on June 18, 1976, with the birth of Mark William Temple, beloved son of Bill and Phyllis Temple of Nowata, Ok. It was obvious from a very young age that Mark had a keen intellect, a curiosity to learn all he could about the world around him, and a kindness that was inherently his own. In his gentle, loving way, always a bit of his own humor just below the surface, mark made many friends and touched many lives. It is with the deepest sadness that we share Mark’s passing on July 2, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer,

Mark was the most endearing person, beginning with his love and mastery of all things Star Wars as a young child, elaborate costumes created just for him by his loving Mom. Mark’s childhood was filled with so many positive experiences from music and dance to visual arts, baseball to 4-H, Boy Scouts to Bible School, to fun filled days with cousins and friends. Mark and his Dad spent many summers camping, fishing, and earning badges in Boy Scouts. He was always loved, always cherished. Mark achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on July 25, 1992, the highest honor bestowed in scouting.

Mark graduated from Buttons and Bows Preschool on April 6, 1981. He attended Nowata Public Schools, graduating with honors in the Class of 1994. In High School he was captain of the Nowata Academic Team and a member of the gifted education Program as well as a member of the National Honor Society. Mark was a percussionist in the Ironmen Band and also played piano.

His love of the arts shone through in his own accomplished writing and original artwork. Mark enjoyed poetry and was a master of what he considered useless trivia. He had a great love for books and a thirst for knowledge. He most definitely had wit and humor all his own.

After receiving an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Tulsa Jr. College in 1996, Mark continued his education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Commercial and Fine Arts in 1998.

Mark Married Shelli Irene Delp on August 1, 1998, in Tulsa. They were a beautiful couple, each encouraging the other, They brought joy and pure fun to any family event. Upon Shelli’s Passing, Mark showed courage and strength that would be mirrored many times in the months following.

Mark was employed by the City of Tulsa in the IT Department. He originally started with the City of Tulsa as the Enterprise Webmaster in 2008 and was promoted in March of 2018 Development Services Manager, In 2012, Mark received the Tulsa Blue Award for Public Services Excellence presented by Mayor Dewey Bartlett. As in everything he set out to accomplish, he gave his best, and he treated colleagues with dignity and respect. He also enjoyed gaming and hosted a Podcast. Mark had many online friends, as well. Mark was a longtime member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Nowata, Oklahoma.

Mark was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shelli Temple, in 2025, his maternal grandparents, Joe and Catherine Mock, and his paternal grandparents, Hubert and Lea Temple.

Mark is survived by his parents, Bill and Phyllis Temple of Nowata. Aunts: Rebecca (John) Ecker of Muskogee, Marjorie White of Broken Arrow. Uncles: James (Bev) Mock of Delaware, Bill (Brenda) Mock of Coffeyville, Ks, Abe Elias of Broken Arrow. Cousins: Heidi Whitford, Mary Kate (Ron) Tejral, Jena (Josh)Pulsifer, Chris (Amy) Heath, John (Tiffany) Mock, Jordan Whitford, Joni White, Danielle Lowrey. Niece: Rachel (Wes) Noblin; Mother-in-law Roberta Hamm of Bernice, Father-in-law Bob(Letha) Delp of Tahlequah sisters-in-law Denise (David) Dotson of Claremore, Carol Hamm of Muskogee; brothers-in-law Larry (Nadine) Hamm of Broken Arrow ,Darry (Marsha) Hawkins of Vinita, Jeff Hawkins of Vinita his three cherished cats who miss him terribly; and many other relatives and friends.

A Rosary, Celebration of Life and visitation will be held on Wednesday July 8, 2026, at Benjamin Funeral Chapel, 114 West Cherokee Ave, Nowata, Ok. Visitation is 6-8p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday July 9, 2026, at St. Catherine Catholic Church, 225 West Modoc, Nowata, Ok.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Street Cats Inc. of Tulsa