Mark Dwayne Groba

He grew up in Galena Park and attended Galena Park High School, graduating in the Class of 1977. He excelled at sports beginning at a young age, playing in the Galena Park Little League, junior high football, and his favorite sport, basketball. With his tall stature of 6’7”, he started playing in 7th grade, and along with his teammates won the District Championship in 9th grade.

He continued to play thru high school, and received several letters of interest to play basketball from local Texas colleges.

After a short stint at Blinn College in Brenham, Mark decided to return home, where he began working at Anchor Hocking Glass Company for two years, and then Armco Steel Company for several years until the company closed. He started working on rental property with his father, learning remodeling and construction, a trade passed down from his grandfather, Ernst Groba, who built many magnificent homes and buildings in the Taylor area.

He attended San Jacinto College and earned a degree in Construction Technology. Mark lived in the family home in Galena Park for several years, before purchasing a country home just outside of Taylor, Texas.

He became very close to his cousin, Stanley Schwenker, who instilled in him a love for The University of Texas football games and all things UT. Stanley also brought Mark to cattle auctions and taught him how to raise and care for cattle, something he really enjoyed. Later in life, Mark became interested in Ebay and online auctions, where he loved getting a “good deal”.

Mark was a member of Peace Lutheran church for many years before moving to Taylor. He did a beautiful job remodeling the church offices, and planted beautiful oak trees surrounding the church property. He was also blessed with a beautiful voice, singing in the school choir and later singing at countless weddings and funerals, usually accompanied by his sister on the organ.

Mark was preceded in death by his loving parents, Alfred “Fred” Groba and Elizabeth Meiske Groba. He is survived by his sister, Judy Mascardo, her husband Tony, and nephew Ryan Mascardo, his wife Melody and their children Riley, Emery, Maxwell and Rhett, his niece Katie Elizabeth Mascardo and his youngest niece, Rachel Taylor Mascardo.

Mark was blessed to have had a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins, many of whom were waiting for him in Heaven. He is survived by a very special cousin, Geneva Freels, who lovingly encouraged, counseled, prayed for and helped Mark in so many ways over the years. We are so grateful for the many calls, visits and prayers from friends and family during the last months of Mark’s difficult struggle. Mark had a bright smile and fun life, doing what he loved to do, in his own way.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd NW, Taylor, Texas. The funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Taylor City Cemetery. Mark will be laid to rest next to his beloved Mother, whom he deeply missed after her passing in 1980.