Mark Howard Wilson 82, of Tenaha, Texas passed away on January 26, 2021 in Carthage, Texas. Born November 30, 1938 in his family home to Marcus Lafitte and Ada Lee Wilson in Paxton community of Shelby county, TX. He arrived in the world as the middle child of 5 siblings. He always told stories of his Aunt Dollie’s general store and getting treats. Later on the Wilsons moved to Baton Rouge, LA, where Mark attended Istroma High school. On sunny summer afternoons he would often go to the Howell Park for a dip in the city pool. That’s where he met his future wife Anita Faye Pinell, he said she was a “Knock out”. As the year faded the Courtship continued to grow as they kept in touch by mail as he joined United States Air Force and eventually sent out to French Morroca, North Africa. In May 1959, my mother had graduated and they married the next day in her parent’s home. 5 years later they began their family, the oldest daughter Terri Lynn and then Kimberly Ann. In 1975 Mark chose to raise his family in the country and leave the city. He bought land in Panola County from a cousin and built our loving home. While my mother was busy working my dad began a more permanent job at Martin lake for Texas utility as a maintenance mechanic and carpooled with the neighbor and friend of 15 years. Our father was a peaceful and loving man where he began giving out books and literature about our Savior Jesus Christ. He was always there to talk to and eager to listen. He supported various missionaries throughout his life. He loved to fish with our Mother and hunt.
His greatest joy in life was his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and later on his 7 great grandchildren. Our father was a builder who built his own home, His beloved friend and neighbor The Davis’s home and lastly his oldest daughter’s home.
Mark Howard was an ace mechanic, he would tear down and rebuild tractors, dozers, trucks, and race cars. He also was an excellent welder, building his own shop out of angle iron. His official trade was a pipefitter. He was a farmer and later after his first retirement He bought and owned a few tractor-trailer rigs as owner/operator for several companies and travel the US.
After losing his loving wife after 45 years, Our Dad continued to cross county drive and eventually retired again.
Mark was survived by his Daughters, Terri Wilson of Carthage, TX, Kim Robinson and Husband Jerry of Big Sandy; Grandchildren, Brandon Wilson, Sarah Credeur and husband Clint: Great Grandchildren 7.
Preceded in death Parents, Marcus Wilson and Ada Wilson, Wife Anita Fay Wilson, Grandson Derek Moore and 3 sisters.
Pall Bearers, Braylen Moore, Jerry Robinson, David Gains, Brandon Wilson, Clint Credeur and Eric Cardwell.
Visitation will be held Sunday January 31, 2021 from 2:00PM to 3:30PM at Mangum Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be held at 4:00PM Sunday January 31, 2021 at Willow Cemetery.