Mark “Papa” Darin Brightbill, 55, of Salina, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, May 21, 2021. Mark was born in Salina on April 22, 1966, to Fred and Ardyth (Sims) Brightbill.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Karen, Salina; daughter, Laney Roths (Dustin), Hays; son, Mason (Grace), Overland Park; and two grandchildren, his pride and joy, Nolan and Scarlett Roths.
Mark is also survived by his parents, Fred and Ardyth Brightbill; siblings, Scott Brightbill, Trace Brightbill (Sandy), and Nicole Wisbey (Steve), all of Salina; his father and mother-in-law, Austin and Barbara Allen, Salina; brothers-in-law, Rick Allen (Theresa), Shawnee, and Ron Allen (Sandy), Seattle, Wash.; and sister-in-law, Kathy Clark (Chris), Salina; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends. This list would not be complete without mentioning his best friend, faithful canine companion, and napping partner, Zoe.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Thelma Brightbill, and Wilson and Letta Sims, Salina.
Mark attended Kansas State University upon graduating from Salina South High School. His Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis put his college career on hold while he received treatment. During that time he worked various jobs, including A&B Machine, where he grew up working side by side with his father and brothers.
While in Salina, he met and fell in love with his lifetime partner, and they were united in marriage on October 11, 1986, at First Covenant Church. His mechanical background landed him a position with Boeing Aerospace Operations working on the B1B Bomber Simulator in Alabama, Texas, and Wichita, Kan. Family ties brought them back to Salina where he completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering at K-State Salina. His skills were put to use at KASA Industrial Controls and Exline until he found his way back to his roots at A&B Machine. Mark and Karen purchased A&B from his parents and ran it for 10 years before his health forced him to retire in 2019.
Mark’s successful career waned in comparison to his personal success as a husband, father, Papa, son, uncle, and friend. He will forever be remembered for his love of life, whether it was playing cards and games, restoring cars, creating art, playing golf, or his favorite passion – weekend fishing with his friends of the Air Capital Bass Masters Club or trips to Texoma with family and friends. Mark found ways to make an impact without being in the spotlight. His behind the scenes giving, truly from the heart, benefitted many in the community. He was always thinking of others and lending an ear. His grit and determination to walk his daughter down the aisle awarded him the Mettle of Honor at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in 2016. Mark’s claim to fame was his debut as Mr. August in the Madonna 2016 calendar. He was also active in Relay for Life and volunteered at Camp Hope, a camp for children who have or have had cancer.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 27 from 4-8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th, Salina, Kan., with family present from 6-8. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 28 at First Covenant Church, 2625 E. Magnolia Rd., Salina, Kan., followed by a graveside service at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to one of the following: KyMel, Inc., (formerly known as Camp Hope), First Tee – Salina, or to Friends of Salina Animal Shelter, care of Ryan Mortuary.