Mark Allen Brittain

Mark Allen Brittain, age 54, of Austin, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2014 in Lampasas, Texas. He was born October 23, 1959 to Katherine (Suter) and Jesse Earl Brittain at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was raised in Houston and Brazoria, Texas by parents Jesse and Katherine Brittain. He had an outgoing personality and a lively imagination. Mark experienced a rather active childhood, running in track and playing football. He was also an altar boy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. In his spare time he liked exploring the railroad tracks on his way to the local pool hall for a Coke, and raising his pet rooster and his dog, Shorty.

Mark graduated from West Columbia High School in 1979. Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Mark was a class “cut-up.” He was chosen by his classmates as the class clown for his quick wit. Mark simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time.

Mark attended college first at TSTI in Waco, and then at North Lake College in Irving, Texas, where he earned his Associates Degree in Electrical Technology. Mark was fascinated by electrical transformers and substations. He was very proud of obtaining his Journeyman Electrician’s license.

On August 16, 1986 Mark exchanged wedding vows with Theresa Gaye Haakman at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Lake Jackson, Texas. They were blessed with two sons, Trevor Luke, now deceased and Tyler David, age 11. He became a full-time Dad to tend to each of their very special needs. He took them to countless appointments and volunteered at Tyler’s school by working with kids in the reading program at Mills Elementary. His outgoing personality easily made him friends with other parents in therapy waiting rooms, which continue to this day.

Mark’s favorite pursuits were music of many genres, but he liked smooth jazz and oldies best. Although he was not from Louisiana, he became an honorary Cajun, wearing LSU purple and gold and cooking excellent dishes such as crawfish étouffée and gumbo, even playing Zydeco music. He also smoked a fine brisket and grilled steak to the delight of his friends, neighbors and family.

Mark recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a recent member of Risen Savior and Cross and Crown Lutheran Churches. He served as a lector for several years at St. Catherine's in Austin and volunteered on maintenance and evangelism committees. In the past few years he took time to study the bible in depth, with the help of his close friends Dennis and Rebya Falk.

Mark also was very patriotic, faithfully displaying the flag on holidays. He was very supportive of the active and former military. He served with the Patriot Guard Riders as flag wrangler for military funerals, and made some lasting friendships as a result.

Mark was preceded in death by his son, Trevor Luke Brittain; brother, David Brittain; grandparents, Orie and Odell Brittain, and Leo and Anna Suter; and by his mother-in-law, Dimple Haakman.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Theresa (Haakman) Brittain; son, Tyler David Brittain, both of Austin; parents, Jesse and Katherine Brittain of La Porte, Texas; brothers, Joe Brittain and wife, Jini of Washington, DC and Stan Brittain and wife, Barbi of Houston, Texas; sister, Terry Hundl of Angleton, Texas; nephews, Jacob Hundl, Beau Brittain, and Charlie Scullion; nieces, Taylor Brittain, and Cassie and Trinity Scullion; father-in-law, John Haakman; brother-in-law, Hans Haakman and wife, Cheryl; sister-in-law, Andrea Scullion and husband, Chuck; as well as many dear relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with Memorial Services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Eric Hartzell of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church will officiate. Interment will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park at a later date.

Mark loved traveling to Colorado, with its beautiful mountain scenery and escape from the Texas heat. The cooler weather on the day of his service was just what he would have wanted. Mark wore his heart on his sleeve and could show great compassion and concern for anyone, friend or stranger. Mark Allen Brittain will be remembered with a smile, as he brought many to those who knew and love him.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mark to a charity of the giver’s choice, which may have special meaning in how people connected with him.