Mark Neil Munro, 71

Mark Neil Munro, born on December 30, 1952, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2024 at the age of 71 after a short illness. He was lovingly cared for in hospice and by the devoted staff at Ravenwood, where Mark resided. Mark considered this remarkable group of caretakers as well as his roommates Richie and Kevin part of his family.

Mark’s entrance into the world was very difficult. The effect of oxygen deprivation at birth resulted in learning challenges that he faced throughout his entire life. Through all of his struggles, Mark’s was resilient. His life was difficult, but his spirit shone brightly and he never gave up.

His parents, Neil and Betty Munro loved him unconditionally and devoted their lives to Mark. His siblings, Millie, Steve, Margaret, and Ann all adored him and were brought up to protect their very special brother. His parents were not only loving, they were also wise. They didn’t force Mark to change. Instead, they changed what they were doing to help Mark find success. They dedicated their time to teaching him to read and write.

Westminster Presbyterian Church was Mark’s spiritual home. It was there he was baptized, confirmed, nurtured and made friendships. Those good folks and pastors, became lifelong blessings and were held in esteem in Mark’s memories.

In his youth, Mark enjoyed helping out at the family-owned service station. Mark attended Shaw Elementary School and then Austin High School. After earning his GED, Mark attended Oak Grove DAC, worked at Cedar Valley, Turtle Creek Industries, and then Cedar Branch Activity Center, where he made many friends and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Mark had a keen interest in politics and a passion for American history, proudly demonstrating his ability to name every president and vice president. His love for cars was another of his defining traits-he was always curious to know what kind of car people drove and how many miles were on their odometer. Once he had this information, he never forgot it!

Mark had a wonderful sense of humor and brought joy to his family. He called his three sisters each and every afternoon. The conversations with Mark kept the family connected. He had a huge impact on his siblings, nieces, nephews and their children. The entire family changed for the better by his presence in their lives.

Mark’s journey was filled with help and unwavering support from the devoted staff at Woodvale and Ravenwood homes. This attention given him throughout the years will be remembered with gratitude.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Neil and Betty Munro, brother and sister-in-law Stephen and Apophia Munro, niece Ellen Radloff Fisch and brother-in-law Phil Masse.

Mark is survived by his sisters, Millie Masse, Margaret (David) Obst, and Ann (David) Sundal; nieces and nephews, James (Miranda) Zinnell, Mary Ann (Bryan) Girolami, Mary Trentham, Silas (Bill Hildebrand) Munro, Betsy (Brandon) Donahue, David (Jennifer) Obst, Andrew (Elizabeth) Sundal, and Emily (Azad) Lassiter; grandnieces and nephews, Renant Hubbard, Russell Fisch, Brooke Fisch, Henry Trentham, Lily Trentham, Miles Trentham, Margaret Donahue, AnnMarie Donahue, David Patrick Obst, Mia Obst, Theo Sundal, Milo Sundal, Junia Lassiter, and Ezra Lassiter.

A private family service will be held to honor Mark’s life and legacy. He will be interred next to his parents at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.