Mark Wakefield Fowler
1948-2015
Mark Wakefield Fowler
January 20, 1948 –
January 29, 2015
Loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, Mark Wakefield Fowler, passed away on January 29, 2015, surrounded by his family, in San Antonio, TX. Born in Houston on January 20, 1948, Mark grew up in Galveston, near the sea he loved. His parents, Marshall Lake Fowler, Jr., M.D., and Katharine Louise Fowler, fostered his early love of nature, learning, and God. As a young naturalist, Mark closely observed birds migrating through the Island each year, and remained an avid birder all his life. But at Rice University, history became Mark's first love – or possibly second, after the Astros ("the Forces of Light"!). An insatiable reader, he consumed thousands of books over the decades following his graduation. Mark was also a consummate wordsmith: his writing was subtle and deft, and his acute sense of humor brightened all our lives. Above all, Mark was wise, kind, strong, and gentle, a loving, generous soul who worked tirelessly to help others in need, and to protect the natural environment, which he loved so much, for future generations. Mark's wonderfully deep, mellow voice graced Houston's classical music station KLEF, among others. Mark also worked as a bookseller – a hazardous occupation for one deeply smitten with books! After Mark's move to San Antonio, members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, his beloved extended family, were privileged to hear his resonant bass voice in the choir, and as narrator, reader, writer and actor in special services. For the past 14 years, Mark had persevered through cancer and its consequences, and impressed friends, family, and doctors with his stoicism, endurance and courage. Through it all, Mark's life has been enriched with family and travel, including World War I tours in France and Belgium, and visits to England, Scotland, and – most recently – Bavaria and the Swiss Alps. Until his last 10 days, Mark remained strong and active; when the final illness hit, it hit suddenly, stunningly, leaving a deep void in our hearts. Mark lived heroically unto his last breath; we will strive to follow his quietly gallant example. Mark is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter Anne Gaskill, son-in-law Matthew McKibben and grandchildren Parker and Logan; son Harold Vincent Gaskill IV and fiancé Nadya Sasonkin; nieces Claire Villarreal, Mattie Parten, Rebecca Villarreal and husband Aaron Thomas; nephews Sol Villarreal, Tal Parten, Davis Parten and family; brothers-in-law Paul Parten and Carlos Villarreal; and cousin Susan Martin and her husband, Ronald Martin, Ph.D. Funeral services will be held February 8, at 4:00 pm, following visitation at 3:00 pm, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 211 Roleto Dr., San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations are invited to Mark's favorite causes: Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Nature Conservancy, or Mercy Corps. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.
Arrangements with:
PORTER LORING
MORTUARY NORTH
2102 NORTH LOOP
1604 EAST
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232 – (210) 495-8221

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Feb. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Fowler

Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary North.

11 Entries

Kevin Brabec

October 16, 2021

No one will see this at this point but Mark was my brother-in-law through his marriage to my sister Cheryl Brabec after graduation from Rice. Mark was super and what a voice. I also knew his mom and dad (Marshall and Kate) in Galveston. They were so sweet. They had me over for lunch/dinner while I was in school in Galveston. Great to see that Mark did well and found God in his life.

November 1, 2017

How can a person like Mark Wakefield Fowler be summed up in a paragraph? Any attempt is woefully inadequate. Mark was easily one of the greatest influences in my life.
I first met Mark at KLEF in the early 80s. He was in his early 30s with a bit of grey at the temples, 6'2" and strikingly handsome. His voice was deep and resonant--perfect for radio. His demeanor was understated and elegant--obviously well-bred and well educated. Despite this reserved exterior, Mark had a cutting wit and whimsical sense of humor. He was jokingly (and jealously) nicknamed the "Poet Laureate of Galveston" by one of his colleagues at KLEF.
What I remember about Mark: His deep love for all the fine arts: music, opera, poetry, radio, films, drama, etc. He would read his own poetry at poetry readings at venues around Houston. He could recite the entire Nick Danger, Third Eye Firesign Theatre sketch completely from memory. He wore a Fedora hat well. He loved English comedy like Monty Python and Black Adder. He loved books and had stacks upon stacks of them all over his house until one could barely see the walls. He loved history, having studied it in college, especially Civil War history, and even started to write a book on the Civil War after finding some old Civil War letters in an abandoned building. He loved birding and we took many jaunts into the woods around Houston for that purpose. He loved having graduated from Rice University and perpetually wore his gold class ring. He came of age in the 60s and even rode on Ken Kesey's Merry Prankster's bus. Later on in the 80s, he inspired a devotee of the 60s to recreate a downtown event remembering the 60s in music, dance and art, complete with go go girls, blacklights and a 60s dancefloor. He would dress as a Franciscan monk for Halloween, and I secretly believed he probably was one in a former life. He enjoyed being on stage in all its forms and loved the limelight. He was a performer, a scholar a gentleman and a very rare breed, and sadly, far too rare these days.

Sylvia

August 29, 2017

I am truly saddened to hear that Mark had passed away. He was a very close and dear friend for 20 years. We worked together at KLEF and lost touch when I moved away. This is a great loss to all.

Luana Lewis

April 2, 2015

Mark was a special friend, long ago. I am grieved to hear he is now gone and send my sympathetic regards to his wife and family. Like Mark, I also bird and sing with a choir. I will remember him fondly during the spring migration in Central Park.

Gigi Yellen

February 18, 2015

Mark hired me for my first radio job, at KLEF. With that hire, Mark bravely broke the gender barrier, upsetting his old-school boss. Mark's was the signature sound of the classical music radio of the time--low and elegant, slow-paced, intelligent and learned. Thank you for the opportunity to acknowledge this kind, sensitive soul.

February 8, 2015

Sharon, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. From what I have heard, he was greatly loved. --Donna (a friend of Jill's)

Ann and Rector Arya

February 8, 2015

Dear Sharon,
We are so sorry and sad that Bro. Mark passed away. He is such a nice person, very kind, affectionate, and humorous. We miss him very much. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. May God give you the strength peace and comfort at this tormenting time.
- Ann and Rector

James Patton

February 7, 2015

Mark was a special person and a great colleague. I will miss him, especially on the battlefields and at conferences. I'm glad that our paths crossed (for the last time) in November.

February 6, 2015

,Sharon, We are so sorry. Mark was a wonderful person, Jiohn Armstrong

Debra Crosby

February 6, 2015

Sharon, I am so sorry to hear of this. Please know that while words are useless to express how I feel, all my love and best wishes go out to you and your family. Debra

Tom Flores

February 5, 2015

I sat across from Mark in a chemistry class at Ball High.
He was very articulate and had a great vocabulary. His blue eyes were vivid and his humor was evident. I wish Mark heaven, and I will always remember him. Tom Flores

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results