September 15, 1948 — August 10, 2026
A Celebration of Life Service for Gaylen “Mark” Pippin, age 77, of Enid, will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Ladusau-Evans Chapel, with Pastor Josh Cosby officiating. Service arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
Mark was born on September 15, 1948, in Topeka, Kansas, to Wayne and Betty (Robbins) Pippin, and passed away on August 10, 2026, in Enid, surrounded by his family.
Mark spent his early childhood in Fredonia, Kansas. With his father serving in the Army, the family later moved to Tacoma, Washington. It was there that the family grew with the birth of Mark’s younger sister, Sally Beth. Mark loved his sister dearly, although, like any good big brother, he could also be quite ornery. One favorite family story involved Mark leaving Sally on top of the refrigerator—a decision that, unsurprisingly, got him into a little trouble! It was just one of many stories that reflected the dry sense of humor Mark carried with him throughout his life.
Mark valued education and earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Eastern New Mexico University. During his college years, Mark was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity. He turned his education into a lifelong career as a college professor, teaching Business Administration, Business Law, and Marketing.
His teaching career took Mark and his family to several places across the country. He began at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota, where he quickly discovered that one year of North Dakota winters was enough for him. From there, he taught at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas; Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana; Phillips University in Enid; and ultimately Northwestern Oklahoma State University at its Enid campus.
Mark also had an entrepreneurial side. For 10 years, he co-owned Shooters Lounge in Enid. During that chapter of his life, Mark met countless people throughout the Enid community, forming friendships and connections with people from all walks of life. And for those who knew him at Shooters, there was one thing that was rarely up for debate—Mark was the shuffleboard king. He loved the game, and whether you played alongside him, challenged him, or simply watched, it became one more way Mark brought people together and left them with a story to tell.
Mark took his work and responsibilities seriously, but those who knew him well also knew his wonderfully dry sense of humor. He had a way of delivering a comment with a straight face that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing. He genuinely enjoyed people and was loved by those fortunate enough to know him, whether as a professor, colleague, friend, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, or brother.
Away from work, Mark loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and especially enjoyed hunting pheasant, dove, and deer. Fishing was another lifelong passion, whether he was after bass, walleye, catfish, or trout. He even enjoyed braving the cold for ice fishing and the chance to catch ling. The outdoors provided Mark with countless adventures, stories, and memories and remained one of the great pleasures of his life.
Later in life, Mark’s faith became an increasingly important part of who he was. He was a member of Enid Central Assembly of God, where he found a church community that became a meaningful part of his life.
As much as Mark enjoyed his career, the outdoors, and the many interests that filled his life, his greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind. He shared his life with his wife, Paula, and was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His family will remember not only the milestones of his 77 years, but also the laughter, stories, lessons, and countless moments that made Mark uniquely himself.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Betty Pippin.
He is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Kim Pippin, Brandon (Carrie) Carter, Jason (LeAnn) Carter, and Amber (Tim) Wright; sister, Sally (Rick) Gill; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and another great-grandchild on the way.
Mark lived a full life—one of education, adventure, hard work, faith, friendship, family, and plenty of laughter along the way. His life took him from Kansas to Washington, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, and ultimately Enid, the community he called home. Along the way, he taught generations of students, met countless people, enjoyed more than a few hunting and fishing adventures, and built a family who loved him dearly. While Mark will be deeply missed, his dry wit, the lessons he taught, the stories he told, and the memories he created will continue to live on through all those who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Enid SPCA, with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
