Mark Lane Brazeal, 61, left this world on February 20, 2024. He was born on October 7, 1962 in Kansas City, MO. Mark was adopted at birth by Maynard and Mary Lou Brazeal and was later joined by a sister, also adopted, to complete his family. They moved to Kansas in 1968, living south of Hutchinson, KS, on the old naval air base.
Mark attended school in Haven, KS, where he graduated from Haven High School in 1981. After a brief time in the Army and a short stop in Bartlesville, Mark moved to Cheney, KS, where he cooked at the local Dry Dock Restaurant until 1992. At that time, Mark decided a change of scenery was needed and headed for Colorado. After starting in Cripple Creek, he moved to the Colorado Springs area, landing in Manitou Springs. Mark continued cooking, spending many years at the Ritz, where his Sunday brunch was voted “Best in Colorado Springs”. He also cooked for many community events throughout the area during his time at the Ritz. In 2008, in search of something new, Mark and a couple of longtime friends, began what would be his final work endeavor, creating and making specialized candies and other treats sold in many specialty shops across Colorado.
After moving to Colorado, Mark became an avid biker, daily spending the majority of his free time riding his mountain bike through the Garden of the Gods, up Barr Trail on Pike’s Peak, and any other trail he could find to immerse himself in Colorado’s beauty. He rode the Copper Triangle multiple times, as well as several other bike journeys. Mark loved remote camping and would go off grid any chance he could. Although he was a bit of a loner, he was fiercely loyal to his family and those he let in to his close inner circle. Mark walked this earth with a rare kindness and gentle, caring spirit. He will be missed beyond words.
Mark was preceded in death by: his parents, Maynard and Mary Lou Brazeal. He is survived by: his sister, Marcy (Ron) Lang of Newton, KS; nephew, Jared Burt; nieces, Jessica (Adam) Brown and Mariah Agoitia; great-nieces and great-nephews; and other extended family. He is also survived by his best friend Kelly Curtin and her family, along with many others whose lives he touched.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Inspire Church, 4290 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, KS. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Inspire Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region or KRCC Public Radio, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.