A memorial service will be held for Mark Sands of Marshall, Texas at 2:00pm on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marshall.

Mark Arthur Sands was born in San Francisco in 1954 to Donald P. Sands, Jr. and Julia Anne Murray. He graduated from Terra Linda High School and Chico State College studying International Relations and Military Science and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Branch of the U.S. Army.

Mark was an instructor for East-West Karate Schools, a general manager for Sizzler Family Steakhouse, self-employed as a construction detailer, and a contracting officer for the Department of Defense before retiring in 2019. He also served as a Scoutmaster and Commissioner in the Boy Scouts of America for 30 years and was presented with the Silver Beaver Award. In 2022 Mark became a Catholic and joined the Knights of Columbus.

Mark loved the outdoors, with a passion for camping and backpacking, and was an accomplished teacher of outdoor skills. He was both a natural storyteller and a gifted listener, and could always be relied upon for advice and support, drawing on his many adventures and experiences. He will be remembered for his selflessness and generosity, having volunteered for a variety of causes for more than 30 years. Above all he was devoted to his family.

Mark is survived by his wife, Dorothy Emily Sands; his son, Thomas Michael Sands and his wife Charae Sands, and their children Irelyn, Gabriel, and Michael; and his daughter, Julia Emily Bennett and her husband Thomas Bennett.