Obituary of Mark Ray Stewart

Mark Ray Stewart, 64, passed away July 14, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Bill Stewart. Left to cherish Mark’s memory are his wife of 40 years, Cindy; brother, Curtis Stewart; Sons Bronson Stewart and wife Leah, Tate Stewart and wife Amy, Gatlin Stewart and wife Britney; daughter, Channing Beck and husband Adam; grandchildren, Braysen, Hunsley, Caroline, and Will; and a host of many other family and friends. Mark was born in October of 1956, in Ardmore Oklahoma to Mary and Bill Stewart. He grew up in Sweetwater, Texas where he attended high school. Mark was a multi-sport athlete and proud Mustang. Where Mark truly excelled was on the football field. He was recruited by many universities, but he chose to attend West Texas State. Mark was a starter, and asset, to the program, leading the Buffalos to two conference championships. In 1975 Mark met the love of his life Cindy, and they were married in 1981. After his football career, Mark went to work in the “Oil patch” as a land man. He and Cindy called Canyon home for 26 years and raised a family there. They were exceptionally involved in the community. Mark would coach little league, teach Sunday school at First Baptist Canyon, was a Deacon for the church, and took on leadership roles in the community. In 2000, God called on them to move to Katy, Texas where he quickly took on a leadership role with First Baptist Church of Katy. Mark loved being a “role player”. He would wear many titles in his life and took them all seriously. He was known as a Land man, community leader, friend, husband, and father. His most recent, and favorite, title was “PopPop”. A name his four grandchildren lovingly called him. Mark was a big guy. Everything about him was big. From his hands to his size 15 feet shoes that led to his football buddies nicknaming him “Bozo”. His laugh and voice would shake the walls, and he was famous for his big bear hugs. But most importantly his heart was big. He was generous beyond belief and an overflow of wisdom. He taught core values of strength, wisdom, discernment, and unconditional love. If you needed advice or a listening ear, he was there. He was a friend, mentor and coach. Always trying to support those that needed it. He was the source of so many prayer and life lessons - even if the lessons were wrapped in riddles and West Texas euphemisms. He was a true reflection of the Father and and a light in every room he was in. He was a hard worker and took pride in doing the little things that no one else would. Mark truly lived to serve and could often be found leading a Bible study, shoveling driveways, and picking up the check anytime he could. As a football player Mark found personal success on the field but would never boast about his stats. When he spoke of his playing days he would reference being grateful to be a part of the team. He would always light up when speaking of his fellow players. It was the relationships and being a part of something greater than himself that fulfilled him. Not awards and championship rings (which he had many of). In fact, not many things of this world impressed him. Things like perseverance, humility, patience, and wisdom were the things he valued and sought out daily. Mark could not help but be himself, and at his core that was being a servant of the Lord. He was a true reflection of the Father and a bright light in every room he entered. He lived to work for the Kingdom and remained steadfast in his purpose till the very end. His journal from his last days echoed this commitment with Bible verses and prayers. He prayed for strength and wisdom, but mostly for other people. Page after page were filled with names and prayer requests. That was his heart, living for others to bring glory to God. Mark was a big guy serving a big God, and that is what he would want people to know. That it is not about his life, but the salvation and hope he had in Jesus. Buffs on 3! In Lieu of flowers, Mark's family is requesting that donations be made in his name to The Hope Project. IF YOU DO ORDER FLOWERS PLEASE SEND TO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH KATY. THE CHURCH WILL BE ACCEPTING FLOWERS FROM 10 AM - 2 PM ON SATURDAY. PLEASE DELIVER FLOWERS TO NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING AT THE CHURCH OFFICE.