Martin Mark

Martin Mark, 101, of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Galveston, Texas. He was born on August 27, 1924, in Rohatyn, Poland, to Mollie and Joseph Mark. In 1939, at the age of 14, Martin, with his parents and siblings, made the journey to the United States. They left Poland barely six months before the Germans invaded, killing many of their family members and friends. The Mark family created a new life in New York. As soon as he was eligible, Martin joined the United States Army and became a scout in the infantry. He faced many harrowing situations in the Pacific during World War II. Soon after his return home, Martin met Helen Landsburg at a Jewish social gathering. They were married four months later and enjoyed 78 years of marriage. Martin and Helen moved to Houston to join a family member in the furniture manufacturing business in the early 1950’s. They had two daughters, Debbie and Valerie, who were reared in Houston. Martin followed several different opportunities to work in various furniture businesses throughout the years, eventually opening his own furniture store. He was regaled as an excellent salesman because his customers witnessed the character and integrity that all saw in him throughout his life. Martin was a gentle, quiet man with a great sense of humor and great love and compassion for others. Martin is survived by his wife, Helen Mark, his daughters, Debbie Mark Shabot (Marc), Valerie Mark (Mike Kelminson), and his brother, Murray Mark. He is remembered lovingly by his grandchildren, Naomi Shabot Wittlin (Brian), Benjamin Shabot (Loren), Sarah Shabot (Todd Doctor), Shelly Heffler, and Robyn Heffler, as well as his great-grandchildren, Caleb Shabot, Hannah Wittlin, Eli Shabot, Nora Shabot, and Jacob Doctor, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Martin was predeceased by his parents, Mollie and Joseph Mark, his brother, Hal Mark (Joyce), his sisters, Ann Waldman (Jack) and Lora Lang (Harold), and sister-in-law, Trudy Mark. The family gratefully acknowledges Martin’s devoted caregivers who enriched his life with friendship and love during the past year: Alfred Reed, Sue Boone, Reba Broussard, Margaret Rittenhouse, Christina Simmons, and Kerston Boone. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 am at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055. Memorial contributions may be made to the VA, www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online, Temple B’nai Israel, www.cbigalveston.org/contribute or PO Box 8060, Galveston, Texas, 77553, or the charity of your choice.

Martin Mark

August 27, 1924 - February 24, 2026