Mark William DeFoor

Mark passed Tuesday, April 19, 2022, surrounded by family; his wife on his right, mother on his left, and three daughters holding onto him. His father, sisters, nieces, and nephews were all at his bedside, wrapping him in love.

His nearly two-year battle with cancer that riddled his body ended peacefully and without pain but devastated his family. A lifelong Kansas City/Overland Park resident, Mark attended Border Star Elementary, Bingham Jr. High, Southwest High, and UMKC, where he earned an MBA. Mark left a loving wife of 30 years, Brandi,  three beautiful daughters; Taylor, Emily, and Carson; his mother, Linda Overbay DeFoor, father, William DeFoor Jr., two sisters, Lori Etheridge and Beth DeFoor Reams, and five nieces and nephews.

Mark was a serial entrepreneur, creating several businesses in the mortgage loan and IT industries. Additionally, he provided opportunities and careers for people he met in his everyday life, positively impacting the lives of many.

Mark was a devout Royals fan. He loved to coach and support his children and friends in many sports, including soccer, volleyball, softball, and basketball (Go Heat!). His coaching led to lifelong relationships with the kids and their families. Mark had an incredible ability to connect with people. A good friend described him as fun yet responsible, with a heart of gold, but would still “shoot you straight without sugar-coating anything.” Friendships for Mark were more about quality over quantity, yet he acquired more friendships than many. Mark loved being a “dog-dog” to Dayton and a “fake uncle” to Hunter. His and Brandi’s home became a second home to many, especially on their infamous “Bubbles Wednesday” filled with music videos, dancing, and all the Mumm.

Most days, you could find Mark spending time with his family and friends. He was always up for a happy hour on a patio, a game of corn-hole, enjoying some KC barbeque, and an especially good bottle of wine (hello, Silver Oak!). Mark was an avid traveler. He loved to have a Guinness in Ireland, a glass of Piña in Napa, a charcuterie in Italy, and above all else, morning margs in Cabo (his favorite place ever). He always impressed upon us to “take the trip, make the memories, and don’t waste a moment.” Those sentiments are now ingrained in all of us.

A lesson learned from Mark was one that he showed daily; Do everything you can to be a positive influence on others. A friend of ours shared an old text message sent from Mark when she was going through a trying time. The text included a picture of words that Mark saved in his wallet. He said that she was the first person to see it besides him and went on to say that it had gotten him through rough patches, as well. The words he kept said;

Focus more, drift less.

Don’t do guilt, do want.

Remember this feeling, drive forward.

Mark’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 1:00 pm, followed by a visitation at 2:00 pm at Life Church Overland Park, 9800 West 135th St., Overland Park, KS. THE FAMILY ENCOURAGES CASUAL ROYAL ATTIRE

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the American Cancer Society/Esophagus Cancer - https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer.html