Mark Whitwell

Mark Alan Whitwell, 55, Joplin, Mo., died Wednesday morning at his home following an illness. He was a loving husband, son and friend to many who knew him.

Born February 15, 1969 in Miami, Okla., Mark was the son of Bill and Shirley (Bacon) Whitwell. Being an only child, he was the favorite. He was a lifetime resident of the Joplin area.

Mark graduated from Joplin High School with the class of 1987. He then earned a bachelor’s degree at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo. He worked at Community Bank and Trust in Joplin, Mo., for the past 19 years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Galena. He loved to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys and was an avid NASCAR fan. He also collected watches.

Mark and Valerie Diane Owen were united in marriage October 20, 2001. She survives. Together they enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with family and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Edith Bacon of Quapaw, Okla. and Benjamin & Marie Whitwell of Crockett, Texas.

Additional survivors include his parents, Bill and Shirley Whitwell, Joplin, Mo.; his father and mother-inlaw, Ron and Debra Owen, Galena; and two brothers-inlaw, Jason and Crystal Owen, Joshua, Abigail and Kristen of Galena and Adam and Angela Owen, Clayton and Cameron of Nixa, Mo. along with many other family members.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 22, at First Baptist Church, Galena. Pastor Aaron Polok will officiate. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, April 21 at First Baptist Church, Galena.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in care of Derfelt Funeral Home.