Mark Austin Brinkley, 61, retired San Marcos Director of Environmental Health, passed away at home in Buda, Texas on May 22, 2018.
Born on Oct. 4, 1956 to Margery Ruth Mahaffey Brinkley and Harold Lloyd Brinkley, Sr., Mark grew up in Weatherford. He played defensive tackle for the 1976 championship Texas Tech Red Raiders in and received a degree of Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1981.
On March 27, 1982 Mark married the love of his life, Nancy Diane Lange, in Austin.
A man of faith, he was baptized in the Church of Christ in his youth, worshipped at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Buda for 19 years, and participated in Sunday services and monthly Bible studies at Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin. A lover of the great outdoors, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, hiking, and was a great barbecue chef.
Mark worked in construction before joining Hays County as a sanitarian from 1985 until 1991. He was hired by San Marcos as a sanitarian in 1991 and was promoted to chief sanitarian in 1993.
After serving as Acting Director for half a year, Mark took the reins of the Environmental Health operations in 1999.
Mark offered his leadership through technological change, multiple floods (one of which struck during a community cleanup), and the transformation of the old animal pound into the regional Animal Services operation.
He earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the Meritorious Service Award from the Texas Environmental Health Association. He served on the Texas Municipal League board and was president of the Texas Association of Municipal Health Officials.
After retiring, Mark worked part time for Kyle in code enforcement. He also contracted with the City of Kirby as a code enforcer.
Mark is survived by his wife of 36 years, Nancy Diane Lange Brinkley; mother, Margery Ruth Mahaffey Brinkley; sister Paula Brinkley Godi; brother Harold L. Brinkley Jr., all of Weatherford; mother-in-law Vera Hanson Lange of Buda; brother-in-law, Ronnie and Lee Ann Lange of Dripping Springs; sister-in-law Lori Ann and Eric Beckers of Buda; nieces and nephews Cara and Mike Goins, Ann Godi, Jaime Godi, Joe and Leslie Hunt, and August Lange; six great-nephews and one great niece.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harold L. Brinkley, father-in-law Glenn L. Lange, and nephew James Godi.
Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 28 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle.
A celebration of his life will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, officiated by Pastor Bill Knippa and Chaplain Don Muchow.
Pallbearers will be Joe Hunt, August Lange, Eric Beckers, Harold Brinkley Jr., James Hanson, Ryan Howard, David Voss, Dan Voss, Doug Voss and Mike Goins.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Lange, Ron Gregory, Robert Piper, David McMillan, Jack Stolle and Bert Stratemann.
Interment follows at Kyle Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Bethany Lutheran Church or the San Marcos Animal Shelter.
