Mark Whitney

Mark Burnard Whitney, age 58, of Beatrice, Nebraska went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 21, 2025.

Born on August 18, 1966, in Broken Bow, NE to John and Beth Whitney, Mark was a precious gift from God. Mark was born with a developmental disability, but thrived with his loving family and wonderful teachers who believed Mark could accomplish much. Mark accepted Christ as his Savior when he was young, being led to the Lord by Pastor Arthur H. VanCampen. Throughout his life, Mark had a tender heart toward the Lord. He loved going to church every Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday night AWANA club. Mark would take extensive notes during each church service, and recreate these services at home, complete with his own pulpit, PA system, Bible and hymnal.

Mark’s love for music stayed with him throughout his life. At school, he loved playing trumpet in the Broken Bow High School Band. After graduating from BBHS, he continued his education, studying Bible for a semester at Frontier School of the Bible in Wyoming. He also studied music and played trumpet for a year and a half at Hope University in Anaheim, CA, a school with programs for individuals with cognitive disabilities.

While living in Broken Bow, Mark worked at several places with the help of a job coach including Broken Bow Bakery and Ace Hardware. He also volunteered at Maranatha Bible Camp.

In 2002, Mark was accepted into Beatrice State Developmental Center where he resided until his death. Mark loved his life at BSDC with continuous activities on and off campus with staff and other residents. On campus, Mark worked and enjoyed talking with customers at Bear Creek Gift Shop, and at the D Building where he packaged hubs and zerks. Mark especially enjoyed visits from his parents and loved going for trips off campus with them, including eating at Pizza Hut. After his family outings, keeping his leftover pizza and Pepsi, he was always happy to return to his BSDC community.

Mark is survived by his Mom and Dad, John Burnard and Elizabeth (Snyder) Whitney of Broken Bow, NE, his sisters Lynne (Jim) Purcell of Tucson, AZ, Robin Whitney of Ansley, NE, Becky (Bill) Stadler of Hatley, WI, his beloved nephews Matthew (Shilo) Birnie, Josh Purcell (Lara Pfaff), Joel (Gabi) Purcell, Mark (Chantel) Stadler, niece Whitney (Max) Pfeifer, many great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Burnard and Lucile Whitney, and Abe and Grace Snyder, Uncle Clifford Whitney, nephew Seth Stadler and cousin Jason Snyder.

Mark will be greatly missed by his family, but there is comfort in knowing that he is free from all earthly limitations—his mind clear, his body strong, and his joy complete in the presence of Christ.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at BSDC for their kindness, compassion, and unsurpassed care of Mark for 23 years.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 26th, from 5 to 7 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE. A celebration of Mark's life will be held Friday, June 27th, at 2:00 PM at the Broken Bow Evangelical Free Church. An Interment will follow at Custer Center Cemetery followed by refreshments back at the church.

The service will be livestreamed at www.govierbrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Homeward Trail Bible Camp or Maranatha Bible Camp.