Mark Edward Lundy

Mark Edward Lundy of Wimberley, Texas, died December 28, 2018, at the age of 57, after a protracted battle with cancer. He died as he lived, bravely, and surrounded by love.

Born in Corsicana, Texas, on July 27, 1961, Mark moved with his family to Wimberley in June of 1971. He and his childhood buddy Kevin McGar set about exploring every nook and cranny, creek and cave from the east end of the Flite Acres valley to the Wimberley Square. As they aged, their explorations expanded accordingly. From his youth, Mark was an environmentalist by nature and a protector of all living things. He amused and amazed friends and family with his penchant for rescuing wildlife, and often kept company with opossums, horny toads and frogs, along with well-loved pets. Throughout his life, he treaded softly upon the earth, leaving as small an imprint as possible. These qualities grew and evolved in adulthood: after graduating cum laude in 1992 from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State), he became certified as an arborist and opened his own business, Native Son Landscape and Tree Care. His passion for trees, and his continuing self-education and research on the subject, as well as his reputation for integrity, saw him quickly gain a fiercely loyal clientele.

In 1995, Mark met Lisa Lawrence, the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life. They each recognized a kindred spirit in the other at their first meeting. Their shared taste in art and music and interests in subjects from sailing to gardening assured that they would always find joy and inspiration in each other’s company. They were married outdoors that same year, among family, friends and trees.

In 2002, they welcomed their daughter Helen into the world. On the morning of her birth, Mark carried Helen outside and held her high, to greet the universe. As she grew, Mark shared with her his fascination and love for the natural world, and gently allowed her to learn by experience. He conveyed to his daughter an appreciation for music that is expressed in her study of violin; she has been named to Texas all state high school orchestra the last two years. Mark’s delight in her accomplishments was a source of pride and abiding joy.

Mark had friends from many walks of life, relationships that he cherished and people whose dreams he supported and nurtured. He was full of appreciation and encouragement of others’ talents. He delighted in their successes, and comforted them when they fell short.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife Lisa and precious daughter Helen, by his mother and stepfather Gene and Jim Henderson of Wimberley, father and stepmother Jack and Sarah Lundy of Normangee, sisters Tammy Lundy of San Francisco, Dawn Riley and husband James and Heather Lundy and husband John Stanley, both of Wimberley, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends from all over. Also surviving Mark are his mother-inlaw Carol Frere and brother-in-law John Lawrence, who along with his wife, daughter, and mother provided loving care during his final days. He treasured his dear friend Karen French as a fourth sister.

An avid reader, Mark remained eager for knowledge in a broad range of subjects. He loved sailing, fishing, traveling, gardening, bird watching, star gazing, history, geography, geology, amateur archaeology and music, and cherished time in the wilderness. Over the years, he made many trips to the secret caverns and mountain vistas of Big Bend National Park, combining his love of the outdoors with a fondness for motorcycles. His soul was at its ease in nature. He loved the beach, camping and exploring. And he loved trees.

There will be a memorial service to honor Mark’s life at Wimberley’s Chapel in the Hills on Saturday, January 12 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow.

The Helen Vaughan Lundy Educational Trust fund has been established at the Ozona Bank in Wimberley for those wishing to memorialize Mark in this manner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association. Information can be found online at http://wimberleywatershed.org/donate/.