Mark Kenaga

Mark Kenaga was born July 21, 1955 in Ardmore, OK to Howard and Lucille (Denby) Kenaga. He was relieved from his suffering and went to rest in peace with his Lord on June 22, 2012.

Mark graduated from Ardmore High school in 1973 and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1977 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. He taught in Yukon, OK for 3 years. He moved to Ponca City in 1980 and worked for an oil company but then went back to school to complete his Master of Chemistry in 1981 at Oklahoma State University. Then he began working toward his Doctorate in Chemistry at Oklahoma State University.

He moved to Dover, OK in 1982 and taught all the Jr. High and High school science classes at Dover Public Schools. He met Peggy Semrad, a 3rd grade teacher at Dover, and they were married on June 1, 1984. They moved to Enid in 1986 where Mark taught in the Pioneer-Pleasant Vale School district. After 2 years of teaching at Pioneer, Mark went to work for Koch Pipeline in Medford, OK. He was a chemist and worked for Koch for 15 years. During those 15 years, Mark was very involved with setting up labs for Koch throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. He traveled and instructed others on operating the gas chromatograph. He also taught at the GPA-Gas Processors Association School in Tulsa for 15 years. Mark worked for Koch until his Parkinson’s disease forced him to retire in 2001. He was a member of the American Chemistry Society and ASTM-American Society of Testing Materials.

Mark loved playing golf, working in the yard, and detailing cars. Prior to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Mark was a member of the Enid Running Club. He completed his first marathon at the age of 30. He was an elder for the Christian Church of the Covenant, bringing elderly members of the church communion each week. He also loved attending the many sports events, dance competitions and activities that his children were in. He was a very loving husband and father and all that knew him, loved him. He was a very gentle and kind man. Above all his wonderful qualities, you never heard Mark complain about his Parkinson’s condition, no matter how hard the struggle became. He was a friend to all and will be miss dearly by those that knew and worked with him.

He was survived by his wife, Peggy; four children, Traci Hamilton of Stillwater, Kristen Kenaga of Dallas, Kelli & Brett Kenaga of Enid, two step brothers Lee Cockerell of Florida and Jerry Cockerell of Oklahoma and Brother Phillip Kenaga of Ardmore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lucille, one brother Jim.

Condolences may be made online at ladusauevans.com.

Memorial may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation- Parkinson’s Division with Ladusau-Evans serving as custodians of the funds.

Funeral services will be 10 am Tuesday at Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Rev. Kent Cotarelo officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Monday evening 6:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Webcast of service available June 26, 2012 9:55 am CST