Mark Braswell

We mourn the loss of Mark Braswell, a devoted father, husband, son, uncle, brother, and deeply loved son-in-law. He was born June 14, 1970 in Athens, Georgia to Joe and Sandra Braswell.

The Braswell family resided in Georgia until 1980. His parents then relocated to Cypress, Texas. Mark graduated from Cy-Fair High School in 1988 and immediately began his life of serving others by joining the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, as a firefighter, in December of 1988. Mark followed in the footsteps of his beloved father by joining the US Navy. He served active duty in Desert Storm and then completed 6 1/2 years as a Navy Reservist.

Once back from Desert Storm, Mark made the decision to pursue a career as a public servant by attending Texas A&M Fire Academy, obtaining the necessary education to further his career choice. Mark was then hired by the College Station Fire Department where he served until he began service with the Houston Fire Department, January 4, 1993. Mark was elated, he had made the "big city!"

Mark married his wife, Michelle, in February, 1994. He was an amazing, loving, caring, husband for 20 years. Their family grew to include 2 beautiful children, Matt, 13, and Mary,10. His children were the apple of Mark's eye. He loved to tease and play with them and was an excellent role model showing by example how to care for others. Mark believed in having a family slogan, and his was "Braswell's help people." That is the legacy he will leave for Matt and Mary.

Mark's desire to live life to the fullest could be seen in many ways. He was the ultimate planner, taking after his father Joe, in the planning of family vacations and adventures. He was a strong believer of sharing physical activity with his wife and children. Be it a hiking trip exploring the woods of Bridgeland or crawling through caves in Arkansas, Mark loved spending time with his family. He recently began competing in triathlons and could often be seen jogging or riding his bike through the neighborhood.

Mark was an active member of the Bridgeland Barracuda Swim Team where he served as the head official on his children's team. Mark's sparkling eyes and warm smile could be easily spotted as he encouraged the neighborhood children, as well as his own, from the pool deck.

Mark's passion for life included a strong hunger for learning. His acquired knowledge would prove to be of great benefit to him in his pursuit of becoming an excellent fire fighter and his promotion to the rank of Assistant Chief in CFVFD, as well as Captain in HFD. He took pleasure in sharing knowledge and experience with others, he became a mentor to countless people throughout his 25 year career in the fire service.

Tragically, Mark left us way too soon, but his legacy as a humble, kind, public servant will live on through his family and the countless lives he has influenced.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Michelle, his son Matt, and daughter Mary, his devoted mother Sandra, his beloved brother Joel, father & mother-in-law Bob & Mary Johnson, Rose Yeager, brother and sister-in -laws, Bob & Renee Johnson & Scott & Renee Johnson, Uncles Bob & Mark Braswell, and several nieces & nephews.

All services will be at Foundry United Methodist, 8350 Jones Road, Houston, Texas 77065. The visitation will be Tuesday, May 20th from 5-8 pm. The funeral service will be Wednesday, May 21st at 2 pm with a reception immediately following.

For donations, please visit Mark Braswell Memorial Fund.