Mark Durkee Obituary

Mark Sherwood Durkee

JOHNSON CITY - Mark Sherwood Durkee, age 69, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully while doing one of the things he and his beloved wife, Karen, cherished most - traveling together on a cruise, sharing time, laughter, and the simple joy of being side by side. His legacy as a husband, father, and Pops, is one of steadfast love, faith, and service.

Mark was born in 1956 to the late Sherwood and Joyce Durkee in Warsaw, Indiana. During his sophomore year of high school, Mark moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, where he would live the majority of his life.

As a husband, Mark was a constant source of strength and encouragement. He was faithful, kind, and deeply committed to the life that he and Karen had built together. Their nearly 49 years of marriage stood as a living example of love rooted in Christ, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

As a father, Mark was deeply present and endlessly proud of his daughters, whom he adored. He poured himself into their lives coaching their recreational league and teaching them far more than the rules of the game. From the sidelines and beyond, he modeled patience, character, faith, and encouragement. His daughters always knew they were loved, supported, and believed in without reservation.

As his role as Pops, Mark found immense joy and purpose. He cherished his grandchildren – delighting in their lives, playing games, dancing, enjoying weekly overnight stays, and praying over their futures. His legacy lives on through them in the values he instilled, the faith he modeled, and the unconditional love he so freely gave.

Mark and Karen's home was a reflection of the life they lived. It was open, welcoming, and filled with love. Friends, family, neighbors, and anyone in need of a place to belong, were always received with open arms. Their home was a place of laughter, shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and unwavering hospitality. It is where people felt seen, known, heard, and loved. Many found not just comfort there, but a true sense of family.

Professionally, Mark was a Certified Public Accountant and owned his own practice for nearly 40 years, working side by side with his wife, Karen. He viewed his work as a calling, rather than simply a career, and built lasting relationships with his clients, many of whom became like family. Known for his integrity, wisdom, and genuine care for others, he took pride in helping navigate important decisions with clarity and confidence. He also invested in several local businesses, including Public Drainage Supply and co-founding Camp-Ruff-N-More with his son-in-law Cory.

A proud veteran, Mark served six years in the United States Navy and carried the values of service and discipline throughout his life. His commitment to giving back extended deeply into his community, where he volunteered with the Girls JC Softball League Association and served on the Parks and Recreation Board. He worked to strengthen community programs and create opportunities for families and children to connect, grow, and thrive. He believed deeply in investing in the people and places around him, always striving to leave things better than he found them.

Mark's faith was central to who he was. As a devoted lay speaker, he shared the love of Christ through teaching, service, and quiet leadership. He lived his faith daily – loving generously, serving selflessly, and leading by example.

Above all, Mark will be remembered as a man faithfully devoted to his family, deeply committed to his faith, always ready to bring a smile to others, and constantly focused on serving those around him. His life was one of purpose, humility, and grace. His legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we remember Mark Durkee. An extraordinary husband, father, Pops, veteran, and servant of the Lord, whose faith, integrity, and compassion shaped everyone who knew him.

Along with his parents, those preceding Mark in death include: his cherished grandson, Emory Tate Durkee, whom he couldn't wait to be reunited with; his mother and father-in-law, Dr. Clarence and Melba Goulding; his sister-in-law, Amelia Little; and his brother-in-law, Mike Parcell.

Those remaining to cherish Mark's memory include: his loving wife, Karen Goulding Durkee; his daughters and their husbands - who are the special sons given to them by God, KJ and Cory Gulson and Amelia and Christopher Collins; his grandchildren, Avery Gulson, Hayden Powers-Collins, Aubrey Gulson, and Mya Collins; his siblings, Kay Shorb (Linn), Kathy Parcell, and Kris Durkee (Donna Hall); his brothers-in-law, Dr. E.C. Goulding and Richard Goulding (Janell); as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation of family and friends is scheduled from 1:00pm till 3:00pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Mark's Life will begin immediately following the visitation at 3:00pm. The service will be officiated by Brad Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made in Mark's honor to: the Shriners Children's Hospital in Greeneville, South Carolina, Niswonger Children's Hospital (for the wonderful care these facilities provided to his grandson), or to the Johnson City Parks and Recreation, located at 601 E. Main Street Johnson City, Tennessee 37601 (designation to the Goulding Amphitheatre and Playground – a space the Goulding and Durkee families created for the community to gather).

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Mark Durkee. 423-282-1521.