Obituary of Mark Allan Navo

Major Mark Allan Navo, USAF, Retired, 43, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018.  Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Rafael and Gloria Navo; his loving wife of 15 years, MaryAnn Navo; sister, Marisa Mendoza and husband, Ray; his nephew, Dominic Mendoza; his nieces, Chloe and Olivia Mendoza; and a host of other family and dear friends.

Mark Allan was born in Houston, Texas.  He attended St. Thomas More Parish School and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory before attending the United States Air Force Academy.  He was first assigned to Schriever AFB, where he served in a variety of engineering positions supporting research and development satellite operations with the Center of Research Support.  He then moved on to Vandenberg AFB, where he was responsible for mission assurance and readiness of 82 facilities and $2 billion in assets. He led all planning, integration, and scheduling of base and range support assets for the final Titan IV launch in Air Force history.  In 2006 prior to moving to Los Angeles, he earned a Master of Business Administration and Management from Touro University International. While assigned at Los Angeles AFB, he was the primary lead on risk management programs critical for development and launch of a $24 billion communications program. Mark Allan was last stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.  He served as the Space Protection Program Lead, advocating for the space control operations, sustainment, and maintenance budget, and informing AF senior leaders on space defense topics, capabilities, and limitations.

His strong Catholic upbringing and education laid the foundation for his deep-rooted faith, which was evident in his never-ending generosity and lifelong dedication to serving others.  He enjoyed the outdoors and even stayed active while battling stage IV cancer. Mark Allan found joy on the water while surfing and paddleboarding and was passionate about Houston professional sports teams, especially the Houston Astros.  He was also the captain and coach of his bowling team, The Alley Gators. He completed several half-marathons as well as the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. Mark Allan was an avid music fan. He attended many concerts including Dave Matthews Band, The Killers, Metallica, and Muse. He also played guitar and entertained us all with his singing and dancing. He appreciated good Filipino cooking and, like a true Texan, loved a great steak.  He made friends wherever he went and was an inspiration to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation, the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Manvel, and St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Visitation and Rosary for Mark will be held, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581.  The visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. The funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10330 Hillcroft St., Houston, Texas 77096 with Father Hai Dang officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77038.