Mark Richards

Mark Alan Richards was born Wednesday, August 11th in Omaha, Nebraska and passed away on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 in Austin, Texas at the age of 66. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Eugene Richards and his mother, Neva Gladys Richards.

Mark was a native of Nebraska and loyal Huskers fan. His early life was spent with his large Lebanese-American family, enjoying close relations and companionship with many cousins. Mark was adored by his mother and spoiled as their only child. His mom, Neva, later took in a foster son, Bruce, whom Mark loved like a brother. Mark always had an energetic spirit, playful personality, and mischievous disposition. In childhood, Mark’s Lebanese grandfather gave him the nickname “Marky Boy” in response to his adolescent antics and naughty misbehavior.

Mark’s parents divorced when he was 13 and his father’s absence left a profound impact on him. In high school Mark was a known troublemaker, but it was that very trouble that led him on a path in coming to know his Heavenly Father. Mark’s high school best friend, Dave Ellis, introduced him to the Lord and Mark accepted Christ as his savior in September of 1975 at the age of 21. This experience changed the trajectory of his life and would later pave the way to his road as a minister.

Mark met and wed Jewel Ingersoll in Omaha, October 1976. He was ordained through the Assemblies of God and became pastor of his first church in 1980. He built several churches from the ground up throughout his pastoral career. Mark and Jewel were married 25 years and had three daughters together. As a family they lived in Omaha, NE. – Norfolk, NE. – Macon, GA. – Austin, TX.- New Bern, NC. – Raleigh, NC. Mark left the ministry in 1999, which was a very difficult time for him. He transitioned from Texas to Kansas City, MO. and in 2002 he moved overseas for a business pursuit and new endeavors.

He eventually found himself in Thailand working as a professor teaching English at an all-boys Christian college in Bangkok. Mark found fulfillment in his work there as he often reflected that it gave him a similar sense of reward, the way the ministry had in his past. However, after years spent away from the U.S. he missed his daughters immensely and decided to come home.

During his years spent abroad he met and married Nok in May 2006. She is a kind-hearted woman from the up-country farmlands of Thailand. They later had a son together and relocated to the United States as a family, establishing roots in Texas, where all Mark’s daughters were still residing. Mark took great pride and joy in raising his youngest child and only son, showing a special interest in introducing him to a wide range of activities; such as baseball, football, karate, and Boy Scouts, which included many practical life skills.

Mark and Nok were residing in Pflugerville, TX and were the owners and operators of two Thai restaurants in Temple, TX. Mark had recently purchased land in Lampasas, TX and was in the process of clearing the property for future plans of retirement there. Although, if you know Mark, then you know there was little to no chance he would ever be able to sit still and settle down. Mark enjoyed a challenge, regularly taking on new projects, dipping his hands in multiple pots, and always on the hunt for an adventure. He loved fast cars, big engines, motorcycles, boats, and jet skis. Mark had a fun-loving and outgoing personality. He was gregarious, charismatic, and often times quite charming.

Mark was a jokester to his core, and a big kid at heart, always teasing and cracking up at his own jokes with his infectious laugh. He could be temperamental at times, wearing his heart on his sleeve, and sensitive to anything he perceived as criticism. But he had a tender side too. Mark was a sentimental sap who hung on to nostalgia and keepsakes. He was not only a collector of things, but also of experiences. He left his family with a house full of knick-knacks and mementos, but more importantly left them with hearts filled with love and memories. His presence was unforgettable and his absence will be undeniable. Our hope is in Jesus, knowing Mark is in God’s kingdom, and we look forward to the day we are reunited with him once again in Heaven.

Mark is survived by the following, his four children- daughters, Megan Christine, Kari Lynn, Keely Nicole, and son, Gaven Samuel. Also by his wife, Pranee “Nok” Richards and his seven grandchildren, Nathan Alan, Brodi Dasch, Ava Joely, Dayton Deanee, Levi Knox, Nicholas Theodore, and Ella Blue. Mark’s prankster shenanigans made him a beloved favorite with his many grandkids, who referred to him as “Grampy”.

A service will be held honoring the life and memory of Mark Richards at Westlawn-Hillcrest Chapel in Omaha, NE. on Saturday, April 3rd at 2pm. Flowers can be sent to Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery at 5701 Center St. Omaha, NE. 68106 and any monetary donations can be sent and made out to: Pranee “Nok” Richards at 1208 Rocky Creek Dr. Pflugerville, TX. 78660.