On October 11, 2022, Mark J. Christopher went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mark fought a tough and courageous battle against pancreatic cancer for over two and a half years. When first diagnosed, Mark proclaimed confidently, "I know where I'm going." Throughout his battle, Mark never complained and refused to surrender to the disease.

Mark was born on October 5, 1954, to William H. Christopher and Lily Ann Christopher in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his teens, Mark learned to play the guitar and with his friends formed the band "Cheap Dog," which played at events in the Tulsa area. Mark was very talented and quite the competitor. Mark fell in love with racing go-karts at an early age and won nearly every race he entered. Due to Mark's successes in go-kart racing, his fellow competitors wanted to buy whatever Mark Christopher was driving. Following graduation from Memorial High School, and based upon Mark's racing success, Mark and his father formed Cycle Kart Racers in Tulsa, selling go-karts, motocross bikes, and even ultralight aircraft. When Mark had outgrown go-kart racing, he raced motorcycles. Cycle Kart Racers eventually became known as "CKR," one of the top five U.S. importers and distributors of Italian racing bicycles and components. CKR also operated four Cycles International retail bicycle stores in Tulsa, until William Christopher's health declined in 2013. Mark retired after the bicycle stores closed and traveled across the country visiting favorite places and discovering new ones.

As a young man, Mark's sprint car racing idol was Harold Leep. Decades later, Mark was able to meet Mr. Leep and they forged a fast friendship that lasted many years, until Mr. Leep's passing. Most likely, Mark and Harold Leep are exchanging racing stories at the moment.

Mark enjoyed riding his Harley with his friends, playing the guitar, and spending time with his dogs, but particularly enjoyed spending time with close friends over lunches and dinners out. Mark was straightforward and direct, always speaking his mind, and those who knew him enjoyed engaging in discussions on a variety of topics. As a longtime member of Kirk of the Hills church, Mark was comfortable sharing his faith and having conversations about the Lord.

Mark is survived by his mother, Lily Ann Christopher, and his sister, Chrisanne Nelson and her husband, Ted.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, Tulsa.

Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233