Mark M. Peters

Mark McKinley Peters, age 65, passed away peacefully, surrounded in love by his family, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Born on July 24, 1959, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mark was the beloved son of Dorothy Lee (Snider) Peters. Mark’s early years were spent in the close-knit communities of Oklahoma, where he attended public schools and graduated from Hulbert High School in 1977. His love of learning led him to Northeastern State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. Passionate about giving back to his community, Mark founded the youth wrestling program “Hulbert Mat Rats,” introducing generations of children to the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance. He also served selflessly as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Hulbert, embodying the very spirit of service and commitment. Mark was a talented self-employed carpenter, a craftsman whose work built not only structures but also lasting relationships within the community. His dedication to education was evident in his roles as a teacher and coach at Muskogee Public Schools, where he taught for 26 years. He inspired countless students in the classroom and on the mat until his retirement in 2023. He served as President of Muskogee Education Association and always stood up for public education. The Mark Peters Leadership Award was established at Muskogee High School and is given to a senior each year who displays strong leadership skills. Mark loved attending NASCAR races and was an avid OSU Cowboy fan. On August 17, 2012, Mark married Marybeth Flusche in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, cementing a partnership filled with love and shared purpose. Mark’s life was a testament to generosity, resilience, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will remain ever-bright in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he enriched. Mark was preceded in death by his infant sister and his sister, Kristen Kirk. Mark is survived by his devoted wife, Marybeth Flusche of the home; his loving children, Angel (Wayne) Bowlin of Broken Arrow, Eli (Erin) Peters of Tahlequah, Emily (Joey) Pierce of Weatherford, TX, Joey (Stephanie) Flusche of Midland, TX, Matt (Breanne) Flusche of Oklahoma City, and Ali (Jacob) Highers of Broken Arrow; his mother, Dorothy Peters of Tahlequah; siblings, Laura (Larry) Watts and Michael (Michella) Peters, all of Tahlequah. Mark’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Izick Smith, Wyatt Bowlin, Paige Bowlin, Natalie Peters, E.J. Peters, Paizlee Pierce, Everett Flusche, Harrison Flusche, Nora Flusche, Madeline Flusche, Jane Flusche, Reese Highers, Logan Highers and Adam Highers as well as a host of other family members and friends whose lives he touched. The family would like to give a special thanks to Suncrest Hospice and his caregivers Darrell, Jennifer and Eliza from Oxford Health. A memorial service celebrating Mark’s remarkable life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mark Peters Leadership Scholarship Award that will be given annually to a Muskogee High School Senior. Checks may be mailed to Armstrong Bank, 1215 W. Okmulgee Ave., Muskogee, OK 74401 or you may donate by sending it to his daughter, Angel Bowlin through Cash App: $ABowlinPhotography or Venmo: @@Abowlinphotography.

Mark M. Peters

July 24, 1959 - July 13, 2025