Mark Marley lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, January 19th at home surrounded by his family. Mark was born on August 18th, 1960 in Crosbyton, Tx.

Mark was raised in Crosbyton and graduated from High School there in 1978. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1983. He married Jennifer Martin in 1985 and they made their home in the Plainview area. After teaching ag for one year at Kress High School, he went back to his love of the seed industry. He had worked for Crosbyton Seed in High School and college, and then Conlee Seed in the late 1980's. He founded Production Plus Seed Company in 1989 and it grew to be one the largest sorghum sudan producers in the world. Mark was the definition of an entrepreneur and moved from seed to many successful businesses including construction, farming and ranching, and stock trading. He was a savvy businessman and a generous supporter of all things agriculture especially involving the youth, as soon through his support of the local stock shows and buyers club.

Another passion was community support in the way of cooking....and in Marley style. He constructed 2 large grills to cook for the American Cancer Society's Cotton Baron's Ball and Relay for Life. Mark and his "team" have cooked thousands of steaks, burgers and briskets for countless benefits area-wide.

Mark served as President of Collegiate FFA and the first president and founding member of Alpha Gamma Rho at Texas Tech University. Additionally, he served as President of The Texas Seed Trade Association for one year and served on the board for many more years. He served on the Dean's Advisory Board for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and in 2011 he was recognized by Texas Tech as the distinguished Alumnus by the department of Agricultural Education and Communications.

Mark is survived by his wife Jennifer, sons Dallas and Zach, and daughter Jaci of the home. His brother Ronnie Marley and wife Marian of Round Rock, Tx and twin sister Margot and husband Gary Hardin of Crosbyton. His parents, Hap and Dorothy Marley, and sister Patricia and brother Randy preceded him in death.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday January 21 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Plainview. Services are under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home. The family suggests donations be made to Plainview Buyers Club, Plainview FFA Ag Boosters, both c/o Willis McCutcheon at Happy State Bank, 2110 Olton Rd. Plainview, TX 79072 or a favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at bartleyfuneralhome.net.