Mark Edmund Watson Jr.

1935 - 2025

MARK EDMUND WATSON, JR.
August 30, 1935 - July 28, 2025
Mark Edmund Watson, Jr., a devout catholic, visionary entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, conservationist, and dedicated member of the San Antonio community, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at the age of 89.
As the son of insurance and real estate loan agent Mark E. Watson, Sr. and Elizabeth McCraney Watson, Mark spent his childhood growing up in San Antonio. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and thereafter attended The University of Notre Dame, where he received his degree in Finance in 1957.
Mark began his early career with his father in the insurance industry and later founded several companies, including Insbrok Insurance Brokers and Marinco. In 1983, with little more than a notepad and a desk, Mark organized Titan Holdings, Inc. Under his exceptional vision and executive leadership, Titan became a leading specialty insurance company and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant achievement in Texas business history.
Mark firmly believed that success carried the responsibility to contribute to others. Over the decades, he made significant charitable contributions to causes close to his heart. In 1997, The Watson Foundation was started to fund charitable, research, and educational initiatives. Since its inception, The Watson Foundation has quietly but consistently contributed to projects that enrich both local communities and broader fields of knowledge.
Mark's vision and dedication to advancing medical research and improving patient care left an enduring legacy. Through philanthropic leadership and strategic collaboration with medical institutions, he served as Chairman for the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC). He played a pivotal role in the CTRC merger with the University of Texas Health Science Center. Mark also served as a member of the CTRC Foundation, The Blood and Tissue Center, and the President's Advisory Board at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
In addition, Mark was a passionate advocate for the preservation, interpretation, history, and culture of the American West. Through generous funding, board service, and visionary leadership, Mark strengthened institutions and empowered emerging artists by serving as a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and also as its Chairman.
Mark was a lifelong advocate for education whose generosity and vision left a lasting mark on institutions of higher learning. After graduating from The University of Notre Dame, Mark remained close to his Alma Mater. In addition to endowing several academic scholarships for baseball athletics, Mark served on the board of advisors for The University of Notre Dame's College of Arts and Letters. And, he never missed a football game! Additionally, Mark served as a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of the Incarnate Word.
In addition to his charitable contributions, Mark was deeply committed to land conservation and the Texas Hill Country, where he owned and operated the Diamond K Ranch near Sisterdale. The ranch became known for its commitment to wildlife habitat restoration, curated wildlife experiences, conservation-minded land stewardship, elegant retreat-style lodging, and sustainable ranching practices-making it a distinctive fixture in Kendall County's landscape. Mark's public service in wildlife conservation and departmental policy direction included an appointment by Governor George W. Bush, where he served as a Commissioner on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission during the late 1990s. Mark also represented the Commission on the Coastal Coordination Council, and was awarded Wildlife Conservationist by Kendall County in 1992
Mark dedicated his time and support to several of the city's most distinguished organizations as a proud and engaged member of San Antonio's civic and social community. As a member of the Order of the Alamo, he upheld the traditions of Fiesta and the city's rich cultural heritage. Mark also served on the board of The Argyle and was a member of the San Antonio Country Club and Club Giraud, reflecting his deep appreciation for fellowship, tradition, and the enduring friendships built through these institutions.
Mark was admired for his generosity, principled leadership, and devotion to his Catholic faith, family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Hallie Watson, Virginia Watson Jones, and Jane Watson Glenn. In 2000, Kathleen Martin Watson, Mark's devoted wife of 29 years, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.
Mark is survived by his loving wife, Courtney Baetz Watson; his children, Mark E. Watson III (AnaPaula), Ann Watson, Catherine Watson, Kelly Hamman (Russell), and Shannon Peifer (Chris); and his cherished grandchildren, Katalina, Marguerite, Marco, Ryan, Coretta, Robert, Blake, Tice, Ashley, Daisy, and Shelby. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Rita Stich, Mark's steadfast personal assistant for 37 years.
A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, August 5th, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Road, San Antonio, TX 78209. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 6th, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, or to any other charitable organization of your choice in his memory.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com

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