Mark Richard TAYLOR(1956 - 2017) . TAYLOR, Mark Richard Mark Richard Taylor, 60, of Austin, Texas, died February 28, 2017, of brain cancer. Mark was born October 19, 1956, in Houston, Texas, to William (Bill) Heckman Taylor and Roberta (Bobby) Larson Taylor. He attended Sharpstown High School, graduating 1975, and Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, graduating in 1980 with a BBA in Business Management. He worked in retail Management at Kmart and then Western for 17 years. Since 1994 Mark worked in database management for the company now known as Epicor Software Corp. Mark moved to Austin in January 1985, and in November 1986, he met Brian (spelled and pronounced just like the boy's name). Brian and Mark were married May 21, 1988, and honeymooned in Boston and New Hampshire. They left on each other the indelible marks of love and devotion over 28-1/2 years of marriage. She was the true love of his life. Besides enjoying basketball and running, tennis and ping-pong, and coin collecting, Mark loved to travel, exploring the length and breadth of England, Scotland, and Wales with Brian and dear friend Janette. Brian and Mark loved camping and the outdoors: visiting Inks Lake annually, the Davis Mountains for stargazing; Salida, Colorado (the Taylor gathering place) for creek fishing; and other state and national parks. Both Mark and Brian enjoyed performing in theater and watching Broadway productions. Mark was a salad maker extraordinaire and a devotee of Star Trek. Mark and Brian were involved in the Presbyterian Church USA their entire married life and members of Central Presbyterian Church in Austin for 13 years. Mark enjoyed singing in church choir and had a lovely tenor voice. On the Mission Team at CPC Mark became immersed in Refugee Assistance, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, Cold Weather Shelter Program and Central Mission, and the Share the Love Mission Fair. Mark led the Central Mission Team for a total of six years. The longest and most consistent ministry work for Mark was the Austin CROP Hunger Walk City Planning Team. This ministry was near and dear to his heart. This would have been Mark's 23rd year on the Team. CROP Walk, through Church World Service, encompassed all of community outreach that was important to Mark, benefitting the poor and needy, providing disaster relief and self-help in Austin and the world at large. The 39th annual CROP Walk in Austin was held February 26, 2017. Mark is survived by his wife Brian Taylor; his parents Bill and Bobbie Taylor of Houston; his brother Eric Taylor and spouse Yvonne and their son Kory of Jonestown, Texas; and his brother Kerry Taylor of Houston, Texas. The memorial service for Mark Richard Taylor will be held at Central Presbyterian Church, 200 East 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial Gifts may be given to Central Presbyterian Church Mission fund, Austin Crop Walk, or a charity of your choice . Mark was grateful for all the prayers, cards, and visits while he battled cancer. Brian is grateful for all the prayers and support that enabled her to be with Mark and care for him in his illness. Mark Taylor was a true gentle man. As Brian says, "The nicest man on the planet". Mark's passion for helping those less fortunate was evident in all his volunteer works. Mark's core values: Love, Thankfulness, Kindness, Patience, Compassion, and Service. . Published in Austin American-Statesman from Mar. 5 to Mar. 6, 2017