Mark Gregory "Pops" Langwell

Mark Gregory "Pops" Langwell, 71, passed away on December 19, 2025, in Rockdale, Texas. Born on December 17, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, Mark lived a life defined by service, passion, and unwavering love for his family and community.

Mark grew up in Houston, where he first made his mark as a proud member of the Westbury Rebels Football Team. Known affectionately by his teammates and Band of Brothers as "Bobo," he earned the nickname for the relentless hits he gave on the field during every practice and game. He graduated from Westbury High School in 1973.

Following high school, Mark attended Texas A&M University, where he pursued pre-med studies and walked onto the Fightin' Texas Aggie Football team for two seasons. His time at Texas A&M deepened his love for people, sports, and camaraderie-qualities that would guide him throughout his life.

In 1980, Mark was recruited by the College Station Police Department-not just for his dedication to public service but also for his skills on the softball field. His love for softball and Schlitz Beer made him a natural fit for the department's winning team.

In 1982, fate caught up to Mark when he stumbled into Zales at Post Oak Mall and met eyes with a young woman named Sandra Ann. After a first date of softball and dancing, they both knew they had found their future. Mark and Sandy were married less than 6 months later and filled their home with three children over the next 4 years, Megan, Matt and Dusty. Mark was a passionate father and husband – he spent most of the next 20 years attending and coaching sporting events across Texas and the Country.

Over the next 27 years, Mark served with distinction at CSPD. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he was stationed as the uniformed officer at A&M Consolidated High School, where he discovered a new calling: teaching.

Inspired by this passion, Mark returned to school and completed his degree at Sam Houston State University in 2000, earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. After retiring as a Lieutenant from CSPD in 2009, he returned to the classroom full-time. He taught Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at both A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School while also coaching football-continuing to shape young minds and lives with wisdom and compassion.

Mark's impact extended far beyond law enforcement and education. If you didn't know him as an officer or coach, you likely knew him for his baking or love of hunting. Mark had a gift for feeding both body and soul through his homemade kolaches, cinnamon rolls, strudels, and countless back porch nights spent around his faithful Old Smokey. Or, through his teachings in a deer blind followed by a celebratory shot of Whiskey. These gatherings were more than meals-they were moments of connection that reflected Mark's generous spirit.

Mark led life with a fierce love rooted in faith-a heart only God could give. He loved deeply and gave freely of himself to everyone around him. He fought a good fight and is now whole in the arms of Jesus.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandy Langwell; daughter Megan Langwell Riddle and her husband Tyler Riddle; sons Matt Langwell and his wife Stephanie Langwell, and Dusty Langwell and his wife Mollie Langwell; grandchildren Zara Langwell, Basil Riddle, Hap Riddle, Lillie Jane Langwell, Preslie Langwell, and Markie Riddle; as well as his incredible Band of Brothers and numerous other family, friends, and colleagues whose lives were touched by his presence.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Joanna Yeager; father, August Langwell; brother, Jeff Langwell; and brother-in-law Mike Springer.

A visitation and celebration of Mark's life will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home located at 1041 W Carmeron Ave, Rockdale, TX 76567. Visitation will begin at 10am and the celebration of life will immediately follow at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Mark Langwell Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Rockdale Rotary. Please make donations via check and mail to Rockdale Rotary Club at PO Box 294, Rockdale, TX 76567.

Mark Gregory "Pops" Langwell leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, laughter, faith-and baked goods-that will continue to nourish hearts for generations to come. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Honorary pallbearers, Mark's Band of Brothers; Steve Brooks, Randy Curry, David Fisher, Gary Kniffin, Larry Horn, Mark Jones, Joe Luprete, Bo Martin, Mike Boyette, Trey Plumb, and Roger Trevino.