Mark Estes

Mark Allan Estes was called home to be with his savior Jesus Christ, April 8th 2025, with his loving wife and sister-in-law Sherry by his side. A celebration of life will be held at the Baker City Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center in Baker City, OR on April 26th, 2025 at 2 p.m. 

Mark was born in Baker City, OR June 18th 1961 to Darrell and Audrey (Sagehorn) Estes. The family moved several times to Albany, OR., Medford, OR., and then finally, calling Roseburg, Or. home for the rest of his schooling, graduating from Roseburg High School in 1979.  Mark studied at U of O and got his BA from SOU in Business Administration in 1985.  He was a Disc Jockey on the Radio, Fought Forest Fires, worked for UPS and finally landing at the United States Forest Service until his retirement in December 2023.  Along the way Mark survived a horrific auto accident in July 1987 being hit by a drunk driver.  After a long recovery he went to Portland to the Commission for the Blind which is where he met Leslie Gorte.  As they took class to help with their blindness, they became close (having both been from Baker City) they hit is off and married in 1991.  Mark lost Leslie from complications of her Diabetes in 2002.  Then he met Renée Howey the next year through mutual friends, and as they say if was fate.  They married on December 31st 2003.

 Mark had many hobbies, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, he loved playing games and eating any chocolate he could get his hands on, and water skiing (which he was very good at) and putting up Christmas lights (he had that hobby since he was little, always bugging his dad until they were done). 

Mark was so very dedicated to the Lord, participating in Bible Studies and leading the ASAP (Always Say A Prayer) prayer meeting and Sports Camp in the summer.  He also helped with the children’s Sunday School and Young Life in Baker City and his church family was very dear to him. 

Mark survived by his devoted wife Renée Estes of Baker City; his sister-in-law Tonya Howey of Woodland WA, brothers; Mike (Debbie) Estes of Eagle River, Alaska and Brad (Sherry) Estes of Roseburg, OR.  Nephews; Shawn (Angela) Howey, Timothy Howey, Brice Estes, Trent (Jennifer) Estes and Zachary (Morgan) Estes.  Nieces; Cheryl (Karl) Teiva, Tia (Jason) Parr and numerous great Nephews and Nieces and Mark’s beloved four legged kids Misha; his guide dog, and the pugs; Elle Mae and Emmitt Roger.

He was preceded in death by his parents Darrell and Audrey Estes and his loving first wife Leslie Estes.  Mark was laid to rest in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City, OR. 

The family would like to thank Heart’ n Home Hospice for the loving care they provided Mark and his family.  We would also like to thank all the love we received from Pastor Brandon Wolters and our church family and friends. 

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Mark the family suggests Guide Dogs for the Blind through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com