Mark Hamilton Aten, 64, a long-time Brownsville (Los Fresnos) resident, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Saturday, October 28, 2023, following a lengthy illness.
The son of Wilbur and Lois (Hamilton) Aten. Mark was born November 10, 1958, in Pierre, South Dakota. In 1963, his family moved to Borger, TX and in 1967 moved to Brownsville, TX. In 1977 he graduated from Valley Christian High School, a school co-founded by his father.
Mark’s collegiate studies included Texas Southmost College, Brownsville and Texas A&I, Kingsville.
His work career began in 1981, as a night auditor, with several hotel companies in Brownsville and South Padre Island. In 2000, he switched careers, and he received his teaching certificate. He taught at elementary schools in San Benito and Los Fresnos. In 2003, he began teaching Special Education at Faulk Middle School in Brownsville, which he enjoyed immensely. He took early retirement in 2015.
Mark was a fun and loving son, brother, uncle, friend and lived a fulfilled life. His joy was always family gatherings (anything with homemade food and family favorites, along with wonderful holiday memories) and staying in touch with longtime friends. His favorite activities included watching and going to movies, favorite restaurants (to include especially, Mexican food), watching tennis tournaments, playing board games (most notably Scrabble). Music and singing were his passion, particularly hymns. He was actively involved at church from singing on the worship team to acting in multiple church plays, for which he was randomly recognized later in public outings, such as, “I know you! You were in the play last week!” With a radiant smile, he thanked them. He loved to serve the Lord in song and praise.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Scott. He is survived by two brothers; Lane and his wife, Mary, and Todd and his wife, Leigh, all of Brownsville; sister-in-law; Lisa Aten Moore, two nieces; Lindsay Washburn and Kelsay Aten all of Cleburne, TX; three great-nephews; Kanyn, Bryson and Dawson; and several other relatives. He is loved by all who knew him and will miss him greatly.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023, with a Celebration of Life service at 4 p.m. with Pastor Vernon Ellsworth, officiating, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please honor his life and memory with contributions to; International Seafarers Center, P.O. Box 4033, Brownsville, TX 78523-4033. A ministry founded by his father, serving, and spreading the word of God to seafarer men and women on merchant vessels from all over the world, located at the Port of Brownsville.
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
5 Comments
Mark was a longtime teacher colleague at Faulk Middle School, but I have known him and his family since he was a little boy. Struggles never stopped him. What a joy there must have been when he entered heaven to be whole and well and with his Savior and his precious parents. God led him all his life and he loved the Lord and did his best to serve Him in his daily life. My prayers for your comfort knowing he is well now-Carol Lee Lutsinger
Very happy memories of living with the Aten family and going to movies and eating meals with Mark.
I have always been a fan of the entire Aten family. Mark had a twinkle in his eye I’ll always remember. Now he is at peace and I thank God. I’m sure Heaven can use one more twinkling eye .
Dear Mark, he was such a dear little boy in my very first teaching class at Russell El. School. My experience with all the Aten family was wonderful, lovely supportive parents very involved in school events. Mark and I reconnected at Faulk MS where he taught Sp. Ed. and we stayed in touch afterward.
My heart is sad, but I know he is free from pain and rejoicing in heaven with his mom and dad and Scott. Rest in Peace dear Mark.
So sad to read of Mr. Aten’s passing, but at the same time comforted with the knowledge that dear, sweet, smiling, Mr. Aten, a colleague at Faulk MS, is safe in the Presence of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
What a blessing that in God’s Sovereignty He brought Mr. Aten into the Faulk family’s lives.
Mr. Aten was a shining light in this world.
To be absent from the body is to be present with his Lord.
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