Mark Havins

Mark Havins passed peacefully on January 30, 2024, ending a happy, well-lived life, and leaving a legacy of laughter, kindness, and love for all who knew him. Born in Amarillo, Texas, on February 26, 1963, Derrell “Mark” Havins was the second child and first son of Derrell and Nola Havins. He spent his childhood in Amarillo and fondly remembered carefree days of riding bikes with his many neighborhood friends. He played football at Amarillo High School and graduated in the Class of 1981. Mark enrolled at Texas Tech University after high school. He loved everything about being a Red Raider, except the studying. Mark decided that college was not the path for him, and left Texas Tech to work for Halliburton in Perryton, Texas. After several months of driving a Halliburton truck, Mark realized that he was meant to be a student! He returned to college at West Texas State University earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1986 and then completed a Master of Business Administration degree in Healthcare Administration in 2001 at Wayland Baptist University.

During his professional career, Mark spent more than 30 years working in hospital administration and healthcare consulting. The last 15 years were spent as a Vice President at Durbin & Co., where his coworkers became his close friends. Mark loved a good office prank, so whenever a backpack went missing or someone’s desk was turned upside down, his coworkers immediately looked to Mark. They will miss being targets of his antics and hearing his undeniable laugh echo throughout the office.

Mark was the father of three children with Traci Odom, whom he married in 1986. His sons Justin and Hunter and his daughter Taylor meant everything to Mark, and his love for them was evident in the steadfast way he accepted any opportunity to support them. From multiple road trips to California (along with numerous apartment moves), attending a symphony concert—performed entirely in German, or installing a kitchen backsplash to playing a round of golf or just telling jokes over a beer, Mark cherished the time he spent with Justin, Taylor, and Hunter. He was always up for anything, and not only his children, but his nieces, nephews, and all their friends could not help but connect with the fatherly yet fun Mark.

Mark met his wife Karen in 2011 at dinner with mutual friends. Telling the story of their first casual meeting, Mark said that Karen told him she had spent the day watching college football, and he said that was the moment he fell in love with her! Mark and Karen were not only in love, but they were also each other’s best friend. Their shared love of sports took them to the World Series, the Final Four and countless Texas Tech football, basketball, and baseball games. They loved travelling together and made return trips to many favorite destinations like Key West, Las Vegas, and of course, The Bahamas. Mark and Karen spent Christmas 2023 at Sandcastle House in Exuma, Bahamas—a place that had become their retreat and sanctuary, the place that they were truly at their happiest. When Mark and Karen married in 2016, he became a stepfather to Karen’s daughter Macy. He was as good a stepfather as he was father to his own children. And just as much a “dad” to Macy, even singing his own goofy lyrics to TikTok radio while driving her to school.

In November of 2023, Mark took on a new role, one that he had waited with anticipation to assume. He became “Pop” to Benjamin Colt Havins, Justin’s first child and Mark’s first grandchild. His daughter-in-law Mary thoughtfully sent daily photos of Ben to Mark. Every time he received one, Mark shook his head and said, “That is the most beautiful baby in the world, and I can’t believe how much I love him.” Mark was steady and calm—with his kids, his spouse, and his coworkers. He was always the one to take a breath and think things through. Mark was consistent. When you asked him a question or for advice, you knew you would get a reasonable, honest reply. Mark also had more patience than most humans—unless someone was taking too long in the TSA line at the airport!

Mark left us too soon, but he did not leave us alone. His family and friends will forever be connected by the good times, funny stories, and memorable adventures we shared with him. When any of us raise a beer, cheer on the Red Raiders, or walk on a peaceful beach, we will feel Mark beside us and realize the everlasting love that he has left in our hearts.

Mark is survived by his wife Karen McDuff Havins, his children Justin (Mary) Havins, Taylor Havins and Hunter Havins, his grandson Benjamin Havins, his stepdaughter Macy Hamel, his father Derrell Havins, his sister Cheryl (Ronnie) Hudson, his brother Monty (Sheila) Havins, nieces Halie (Cody) Peitz and Kelbi Havins, nephews Jarrett (Haleigh) Hudson and Coby Havins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Nola Havins and grandparents Loyd and Earnestine Havins and Shirley and Ruth Moore.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family asks that memorial contributions be sent to UT Southwestern Medical Center to support the Simmons Cancer Center (https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now ), the Texas Tech University General Scholarship Fund (www.give2tech.com), or a local charity of your choice.

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