Mark Allen Stegent

Mark Allen Stegent of Eustace, TX went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, January 13, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of colon cancer.

 He was in clinical trials/research studies in Dallas. He donated his body to the colon cancer research team. It will take 2 to 3 years for research to conclude on his donated body.

Mark was born on April 9, 1968, in Houston, Texas, to David J. Stegent (Chappell Hill) and Margie Balcerek Stegent.

He is a descendent of John and Julia Pawlowski Dekowski of Chappell Hill, Texas.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Margie Balcerek Stegent; paternal grandparents Johnnie Mark, Sr. and Florence Dekowski Stegent; and maternal grandfather, Theo Balcerek.

Mark is survived by his wife, Shauna, and their three children Nathan Stegent (Alyx), Shelby Jones (Hayden) and Jordan Ethridge (Samantha). 

Also, survived by his dad, David J. Stegent whom he called "Pop," and Kathy Kitowski of Chappell Hill. 

Mark received all of the sacraments of his Catholic faith in Houston. He was a devout Catholic.

Mark loved the outdoors. When he lived in Chappell Hill with his Pop, he learned to fish at the age of 5. David has incredible patience in teaching small children to fish

David taught Mark how to hunt. Gun safety and hitting the target were paramount. David bought Mark Allen his first BB gun when he was 5 years od. David would buy Mark Allen age appropriate guns and rod and reels for Christmas and for his birthday among other gifts. 

Mark enjoyed genealogy. He researched the history of his paternal great-grandparents, John and Julia Pawlawski Dekowski.

He was employed at Aztec Steel Fabricators in Athens, Texas, as a steel welder manager and field supervisor.

Mark had a beautiful, loving relationship with his "Pop" all of his life. There are so many cherished memories! 

The first day of dove season was a big hunting event at Grandpa Johnnie's place in Chappell Hill! 

 His two uncles, Marion Stegent and Johnnie Mark Stegent, Jr. also known as "Bubby", Pop, Grandpa and 2 friends were in position and had the dove moving in the correct pattern. Everyone got their dove limit!

David and Kathy will host the Celebration of the Life of Mark Allen Stegent on Saturday, 2/15/25, at 1 PM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Chappell Hill with the Mass of Resurrection. Please dress casual.

After the Mass concludes, there will be a tribute to Mark Allen. 

 Later in the evening/night, please go to The Kenney Store, a live music venue in Kenney, TX about 10 miles south of Brenham on Hwy. 36. 

 The Kenney Store was awarded the "Live Music Venue of the Year" Award in 2023 by the Texas Country Music Association (TCMA). 

 The Red Bulls Band is playing at The Kenney Store on Saturday, 2/15/25. They are a great band! There is no cover charge and it is an inside show! It is always so much fun at The Kenney Store! 

 Tony and Rita Krueger, owners, suggests you go on line and make a reservation to ensure you have a place to sit. It is a No Cover show. You get in Free!

 Drink a beer for Mark Allen! Enjoy a delicious meal! Dance! Celebrate Mark Allen's life! Have a great time at The Kenney Store! 

 Mark Allen went to The Kenney Store when it was a country store for the community back in the '70's and then when he was an adult, he and his Pop would have a few beers there after dove, duck and deer hunting or participating in Bass Tournaments. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution, in memory of Mark Allen Stegent, to the St. Stanislaus Family Life Center Building Fund. You can make your donation on Feb. 15 or send it to: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 9175 FM 1371, Chappell Hill, TX 77426.  

 There are simple methods of payment. Please contact Karen, the church secretary, at (832) 814-2418 on how to use various methods of payment. Your donation is tax deductible. 

Fly high, Mark Allen! I love you "Bro." ... your loving Pop and Kathy 

There will not be a register book at the funeral home to sign,  if you would like to leave condolences for the family please do so below in the Guest Book.