Mark Alan MacKay, 60, of Lawrence, died Friday, August 20, at home in Lawrence. He is now in God’s presence, able to see and play the guitar again to his heart’s content.
Memorial services will be 2 pm, Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the First Southern Baptist Church, Lawrence KS, and can be viewed remotely at https://youtube.com/channel/UCK0AAbz2VkKOXi8N-1okmpQ
He was born on July 27th, 1961, to Charles and Garnet MacKay and raised on the family farm near Douglass, KS. He graduated from Rose Hill High School as the class of 1979 Salutatorian. Mark went on to graduate Magna cum laude in his pursuit of an electrical engineering degree at Wichita State University. He followed with getting his Masters in electrical engineering at the University of Kansas.
But God had different plans for Mark. After 2 summer missions in Alaska, 2 years of mission work in the Philippines, and earning a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mark found his calling. His 40+ year passion was working with youth as a youth minister and always loved his time at church camps with them. His impact on growing young Christ followers cannot be measured.
He is survived by his brother Brent and his wife Sherry, his two nieces Caitlin and Madison (Skyler and Madison Payton) and countless friends, who will always remember his faith in God, his love for others and his sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish to make a memorial gift can give to the Mark MacKay Super Summer Scholarship Fund via First Southern Baptist Church, Lawrence.
My dear friend mark, I’m saddened by you’re passing.
Mark was a bear hug full of love. His love of Jesus was infectious. He loved sharing this love. Amen
I have only known him for a very short time but am in awe at the profound impact he has had and he is a true inspiration on how to follow the Lord’s path. He arrived at his heavenly home hearing the words. “Well done good and faithful servant.”
I love how Mark was so into people, just like several have mentioned at his funeral. He was always giving me a ride to church and the first thing he would do is turn off the radio so we could hear each other talk. It was very important to him and he has instilled that into me. I have turned my radio off for my passengers so we could have conversations and I am thankful for all the things I have learned from Mark!
Met Mark in Hamilton, OH when he brought a group from Mulvane to help us build a new mission center. I was not part of the group, but he openly let me join all the activities and fun that week. Sweet memories and it was a happy surprise to see him in Atlanta years later at Passion! I hadn’t spoken with him in years, but I still have his number in my phone. Will miss you being on earth, Brother. Look forward with hope to see you again!
You will forever be missed Mark! You left a big impact on my life and helped me nurture abd grow my love for Christ. You were always there for me and other youth. So many church camp memories! I love you my brother in Christ forever! Praying for your family! A great man of God has gone from this Earth, but we can rejoice for hes with our Father! Thank you Mark for everything you did for us and always being there when we needed you!
Brent my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your brother was amazing man . I will treasure the memories of him.
Mark was a big influence on me as a youth at First Baptist in Mulvane. My thoughts and prayers will be with Brent and his family.
I Toni and my wife Olta have meet Mark when he has come to serve together with us over here in Albania. We have been encouraged and chalenged by his deep love for youth. He was the colsest example of Jesus we have seen in our 20 ministry life. We will miss him but we are happy for Mark that he is at our Father home. Praying for his relatives
I met Mark in Knoxville airport, he was at the gate waiting to board his flight . We begin to talk and soon Jesus was the subject of our conversation. Mark touched my life, he encouraged me to follow Jesus closely, last week I gave him a call and our conversation was not different; we talked about missions, how wonderful is to serve our Lord and once again I was encouraged.
Mark had a profound impact on my life. I thank the Lord for having known him during my most formative years. He was always so fun to joke around with but was always ready to have the deepest of conversations. I am now in ministry myself and see so much of Mark in the way that I strive to serve those around me. He was a true example of the most humble servant. Praise the Lord for his complete healing.
Going to really miss him, the four of us had a lot of childhood memories did a lot of silly things, goodbye for now my friend
Brent and family. So sadend to hear of Mark’s passing. He was definitely a wonderful person much used by our Lord. I am sure you were very proud of him. And will miss him greatly. You and yours have our prayers. Thanks to our precious saviour we will see Mark again until that time rejoice for your brothers victory. Love Steve and Joyce Grieve
Right now, I am flooded by formative memories from youth group, super summer, and deep, touching conversations with Mark MacKay. I hope he knows how influential he was in guiding so many of us to Christ and making powerful, God-centered decisions that affected our lives. Well done, friend.
To say this man impacted my life would not do it justice. I’m blessed to know I will see him again and thankful to have known him on earth. Brent you are in my thoughts and prayers. .
I am sad to hear of mark’s passing. He was a godly man and such a wonderful youth pastor. I am sure he is enjoying seeing his family and spending time in the presence of Jesus.
I remember childhood SS and Christmas programs with Mark. I’m sad to learn of his passing, but I know he is rejoicing with Jesus now. My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family, Brent!
I would not be the person I am, nor would I have the faith I do if it were not for Mark. Words can not express how much he impacted my life for the better. This is a hole that can never be filled. My heart breaks knowing I will not see him here, but rejoices that he is home with Christ and I will see him again. Love you, Mark! Save me a place…
Mark was always such a wonderful guy. The compassion and grace that he showed- even from a young age, was inspiring.
Praying for you Brent and your family.
Mark was such a blessing for me during my youth years. Even when I didn’t deserve it. He was there at the hardest part of my life. I hate to see where I would have been there if he wasn’t. Mark thanks to you, I will see you again.
Now Mark may receive all of the rewards he has stock piled up in heaven! We know there are many! What a wonderful man. What impacts he has made on so many lives. Such a blessing to many.
I am so sad that he is gone but thrilled that Mark is with Jesus. Remembering our childhoods. Brent we are praying for you.
It is comfort so deep to know we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. Celebrating Mark’s life rejoicing he touched so many lives for our precious Jesus. Hope springs eternal!