Mark Dennis Reddy

Mark Dennis Reddy, 67, Topeka, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday, August 19, 2021, at a local hospital. Mark was born September 2, 1953, in Independence, Kansas, the son of James P. Reddy and Phyllis A. Meyer Reddy. Mark attended Independence primary parochial schools and graduated from Independence High School in 1971. He received a degree in printing management from Pittsburg State University in 1977 and worked at Sullivan Higdon & Sink advertising agency in Wichita until moving to Topeka in 1984 to pursue an education in computer science. He attended the ECPI technical school and began working at the Kansas Secretary of State's Office as a computer programmer, where he met his future wife, Nancy Rausch Clark. Mark and Nancy married on June 3, 1988. Mark worked briefly for a software firm in Overland Park, then began working for the Kansas Department of Transportation as a computer programmer/analyst from 1989 until his retirement in December 2019. Mark continued his education while at KDOT and received a degree in information technology from Washburn University in 1995. He was working part time at KDOT on a project at the time of his death.

Mark was known best for his amazing sense of humor. He could tell a joke like no other. He enjoyed playing golf, hiking and exploring, working with stained glass, stargazing, modern art, photography, traveling, cooking, listening to great music, and drinking craft beer or a good tequila. He holds the record for watching anything related to Star Wars or The Godfather. Mark was a "pay it forward" kind of person and was always thoughtful of others. Most of all, he loved getting together with family and friends, whom he cherished.

Mark is survived by his wife and best friend, Nancy; daughters Jessie Perkins (Mike), Kate Tierce (Stephen), and Megan Reddy (Zachary Bernal); grandchildren Michael Perkins, Ava Wise, Claire Perkins, Jack Tierce, and two grandsons on the way; a sister, Lynn Hakimian (Mohamad), Charleston, SC; a brother, Chris (Lynn), Independence, KS; and several nieces and nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson Andrew Perkins; and canine best friend, Roxy.

A celebration of life will be held outside at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 2, at the Garden House at Lake Shawnee, 3720 S.E. Yacht Club Court, Topeka. We hope you can join us in celebrating Mark in Mark fashion: beer, BBQ and music. Social distancing is possible, and we only insist that masks be worn if inside the Garden House to help protect the immuno-compromised.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, the American Heart Association or the Topeka Rescue Mission.

To leave a special message for Mark's family, please visit the guestbook below.