Mark Wyatt Blackwell

Mark Wyatt Blackwell, 65, went to his heavenly home on Friday, February 24, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, hard worker, and follower of Christ. A memorial service will be held at Oak Street Baptist Church on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Mark was born on November 24, 1957, in Bay City, Texas, to Bettye Jo Brown and Julian Blackwell. As a young man, he briefly served in the Army. Soon after he returned to Waco, Texas where he met his bride, Cynthia Ruth Gilmore, and her two young sons. The pair were wed on October 8, 1983, and a few years later added Zachary and then Amanda to the family.

After a short time living and working in Dallas-Fort Worth, they moved with their young family to settle in Graham, Texas. Shortly after moving to Graham, Mark found what would become his greatest friend and purpose, Jesus Christ, his Lord, and Savior. From that moment to his very last, his, and the life of countless others was monumentally changed by his decision to follow Jesus. Mark lived his remaining days loving and serving the Lord in both word and deed. He was known by almost all he met, be it strangers, family, or friends, for his gentle spirit, welcoming nature, and kind words. He made it his life mission to be a disciple-maker, sharing the love he then knew.

For years Mark served in the Bill Glass Prison Ministry, traveling across the world, sharing his story and love with people in Ukraine, Uganda, Yucatan, Brazil, and Mexico, including communities across the U. S. Mark loved his family at Oak Street Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, mentor, and shining light to all who were fortunate enough to be around him. He deeply loved serving the Lord by helping others. There was never a more selfless man than Mark Blackwell.