Mark DeLange
February 17th, 1951- April 19th, 2024

Mark DeLange passed away on April 19th, 2024, after suffering a stroke on April 6th, 2024. Mark was born in Springfield, Missouri on February 17th, 1951. His parents were Rosalie and William DeLange and he was the younger brother to William DeLange III., Richard DeLange and Jane DeLange.

He attended Rountree, Phelps, Jarrett and Parkview schools, and graduated from Parkview in 1970. After graduation he entered the work force where he worked at various local grocery stores. In late 1978, he relocated to Tulsa where he worked for the grocery chain Skaggs Alpha Beta and he remained in Tulsa until he relocated briefly to Dallas, Texas in 1984. He then returned to Joplin, Missouri in 1987. Upon Skaggs closing their Joplin store he went back to Tulsa until 1988. When he returned to Springfield, he worked for So Lo markets. In 1989, he branched out and went to work for Wal-Mart stores inc. There he met his future wife, Beth Somers, who he married in 1993. While employed with Wal-Mart, he received many awards including the Sam Walton Hero award, which he obtained in 1999, for cashier of the year. In 2002, he took an 8-month hiatus from working. He returned to the work force in 2003 and was employed with Price Cutter. In 2004, he ventured out again, where he was employed at Walgreens and remained there until 2011, after which he returned to work at Price Cutter. When Covid hit in 2020, he was forced to retire due to declining cognitive and physical health. He would talk fondly about the many regular customers that he would have at his various places of employment.  Mark became known as the stay at home "Cat dad." He enjoyed seeing and talking with his friends that he considered his "Chosen family" at Unity of Springfield where he attended every Sunday, when he was able.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; his brother, Bill; his father and mother-in-law; John and Toni Somers; plus 5 of his cats, Sam, Katrena, Jackson, Oliver (who he referred to as his "Baby Boy") and Angel.

Survivors include his wife, Beth; his brother, Rich (Kay); his sister, Jane (Mort) Shurtz; numerous nieces, nephews and their families; plus, his 6 cats, Gus, Symon, Reece, Red, Pepper and Trooper.

Beth would like to send a huge thank you to all the staff at Cox South on the neuro trauma unit, as well as the 7th floor staff who took care of Mark at the end of his life. This includes the chaplains who provided wonderful emotional support to her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Unity of Springfield on June 29th, 2024, at 11:00 am with Sue Baggett-Day officiating, a gathering will be held afterwards in the Fellowship Hall at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.