Obituary for Mark Allen Breeding
Mark Allen Breeding, 60, passed away on January 15, 2026, at his home in Altus. He was born on May 16, 1965, the only living child of Sam Breeding and Sharon Payne Breeding-Moore.
Mark grew up in Mangum, Oklahoma, where he played football, excelled academically, and formed friendships that followed him throughout his life. He later attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, studying pharmacy and psychology. During his years at SWOSU, Mark built lifelong friendships and found joy in his work at JC Cowboys. In the 1990s, he served as club manager, helping introduce and support many grassroots Oklahoma bands-many of whom continued to call him friend long after those years.
It was in Weatherford that Mark met Teresa, and together they welcomed one child, Karson Payne Breeding. Karson was the pride and joy of Mark's life. He lovingly referred to her as "his baby girl," a title that never faded with time. She was, without question, her daddy's girl, and his love for her was constant and unwavering.
Mark later moved to Chickasha to be closer to his father, Sam, where he worked as the golf course superintendent at the Chickasha Golf Club. Golfing for Mark was more than a pastime-it was a bond shared between father and son, spent over many Saturday and Sunday afternoons together. After two and a half years, Mark returned to Duke, Oklahoma, to be nearer to his mother and his roots. He worked for several years at the golf course on Altus Air Force Base until a diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease ended his professional career on the course. Even then, his love of golf endured. Following the amputation of his leg, Mark continued to play, demonstrating determination and resilience that defined much of his life.
Mark had a sharp wit and a straightforward honesty that made conversations lively and memorable. As he often said, "Either you love me or hate me." Wherever he went, he made friends-and sometimes adversaries-but he always left an impression. Laughter was one of his greatest gifts. He loved telling stories, reminiscing about old times, and sharing moments of humor with those around him.
Mark was a devoted companion to his beloved Yorkshire terrier, Trey, who was by his side through many seasons of life. He was also a passionate country music fan, especially old country. He often said his life mirrored that of Keith Whitley, and as loved ones reflect on his passing, that comparison holds a certain truth.
In later years, Mark lived with his mother, and during visits from Karson, the family enjoyed garage sales, Sunday church services, good food, and shared laughter. His family circle was small, but the love within it was deep. His cousin Duane Payne, whom Mark described as more like a brother, spoke with him nearly every day in recent years. Many others held special places in his life, including Teresa, Bryant, Madi, and Karson in his earlier years. He also had many cherished friendships in Altus, including Mary, Darlene, and many women from First Baptist Church, where he often attended.
Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ira and Jodi Payne; his parents, Sam Breeding and Sharon Payne Breeding; and his infant sister, Travonna Breeding.
He is survived by his daughter, Karson Payne Breeding Walters, and her husband, Clint Walters; his cousin Duane Payne; Tara Payne; Bailey Payne; Cole Payne; Jake Payne; and many cousins on the Breeding side.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Duree officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the care of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.
Read More
Mark grew up in Mangum, Oklahoma, where he played football, excelled academically, and formed friendships that followed him throughout his life. He later attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, studying pharmacy and psychology. During his years at SWOSU, Mark built lifelong friendships and found joy in his work at JC Cowboys. In the 1990s, he served as club manager, helping introduce and support many grassroots Oklahoma bands-many of whom continued to call him friend long after those years.
It was in Weatherford that Mark met Teresa, and together they welcomed one child, Karson Payne Breeding. Karson was the pride and joy of Mark's life. He lovingly referred to her as "his baby girl," a title that never faded with time. She was, without question, her daddy's girl, and his love for her was constant and unwavering.
Mark later moved to Chickasha to be closer to his father, Sam, where he worked as the golf course superintendent at the Chickasha Golf Club. Golfing for Mark was more than a pastime-it was a bond shared between father and son, spent over many Saturday and Sunday afternoons together. After two and a half years, Mark returned to Duke, Oklahoma, to be nearer to his mother and his roots. He worked for several years at the golf course on Altus Air Force Base until a diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease ended his professional career on the course. Even then, his love of golf endured. Following the amputation of his leg, Mark continued to play, demonstrating determination and resilience that defined much of his life.
Mark had a sharp wit and a straightforward honesty that made conversations lively and memorable. As he often said, "Either you love me or hate me." Wherever he went, he made friends-and sometimes adversaries-but he always left an impression. Laughter was one of his greatest gifts. He loved telling stories, reminiscing about old times, and sharing moments of humor with those around him.
Mark was a devoted companion to his beloved Yorkshire terrier, Trey, who was by his side through many seasons of life. He was also a passionate country music fan, especially old country. He often said his life mirrored that of Keith Whitley, and as loved ones reflect on his passing, that comparison holds a certain truth.
In later years, Mark lived with his mother, and during visits from Karson, the family enjoyed garage sales, Sunday church services, good food, and shared laughter. His family circle was small, but the love within it was deep. His cousin Duane Payne, whom Mark described as more like a brother, spoke with him nearly every day in recent years. Many others held special places in his life, including Teresa, Bryant, Madi, and Karson in his earlier years. He also had many cherished friendships in Altus, including Mary, Darlene, and many women from First Baptist Church, where he often attended.
Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ira and Jodi Payne; his parents, Sam Breeding and Sharon Payne Breeding; and his infant sister, Travonna Breeding.
He is survived by his daughter, Karson Payne Breeding Walters, and her husband, Clint Walters; his cousin Duane Payne; Tara Payne; Bailey Payne; Cole Payne; Jake Payne; and many cousins on the Breeding side.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Duree officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the care of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.
To send flowers in memory of Mark Allen Breeding, visit the Tribute Store.
Thank you for sharing your
memory of Mark
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Mark Allen Breeding.
Send Flowers
Loading...