of Mesa, AZ, entered eternal rest after a lengthy illness on June 22, 2014.
He was born on Aug. 31, 1958 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Botkin, stepmother Cathy, stepfather Jim Painter, brother Kimber Lee Botkin and nephew Kyle Botkin.
He is survived by his mother Maudie “Nora” Painter, brother Scott Botkin of Claremore, Oklahoma, sister Tawanna Blakely of Tucson, brother Ret. Msgt Clay Botkin and Terry Botkin of North Dakota, daughters Lt. Col. Malina Dubbs (SFC Jason Dubbs) of Mesa, Amanda (Brad) Steward of Casa Grande and granddaughters Alexis and Katie Dubbs of Mesa and nieces and nephews.
Mark graduated from Hayden High School in 1976, participated in Varsity Football, Track and Wrestling, enjoyed swimming and fishing in the Gila River with his life long friends. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree-Business from St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
He honorably served his country for over 20 years in the Arizona Air National Guard, retiring with distinction as a Senior Master Sergeant.
He was employed as a Technician at T-Mobile both in Arizona and Oklahoma. He returned to Arizona three years ago and was currently employed as an Emergency Communications Coordinator for the State of Arizona (DEMA).
He coached Girls Softball, and was an Arizona Diamond Backs and Arizona Cardinals fan.
In 1993, Mark volunteered to deploy to assist with the Winkelman Flood disaster. He was a member of the Lobo Letterman’s Club and was a Homecoming Prince. Mark also worked with volunteer HAM Radio operators and obtained his FCC License in 2012. Mark’s hobby was attending Gymkhanas’ with his granddaughter and riding their horse “Whiskey.”
Earlier in June, Mark represented DEMA at a national conference held in Boulder, Colorado.
Mark’s Memorial Services were held on Friday, June 27, 2014 at Bunker University Chapel in Mesa, AZ.
Mark is remembered for the love of family and friendship he shared with co-workers, guard members, friends and classmates whom he kept in touch with over the years. The Class of 76 has lost a special friend, until we meet again, in joyous reunion never to be parted again. The Class of 76 suggests donations be made to a favorite charity in Mark’s memory.