Mark Curtis Sensat

Mark Curtis Sensat, cherished father and husband, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 80. Mark was born on August 5, 1943, in Beaumont, Texas, to Josephine and Stanley Sensat, but they soon moved the family to Houston. Growing up with his older brother Dick, tales of their youthful adventures became family lore — including water skiing down the rain-soaked ditches of Westheimer and a short run riding bulls.

Mark attended St. Anne's and graduated from Marian Catholic High School. He started at the University of Houston but left to join the Army and spent much of his service in Germany. When he returned home, Mark met and settled down with his first wife, Patsy, in Alief, Texas, where they raised three sons.

Mark's entrepreneurial spirit emerged with the creation of Can-Can, a portable toilet company. Though short-lived, Mark dove in head first and showed his will to do the dirty work. After a stint selling machine tools, he found his home in the lumber and pallet business. Mark could fix anything. Over the next decades he kept Cagle Pallet and Cougar Pallet humming along. He repaired everything from saws and pallet machines to semis and forklifts. Beyond repairs, he displayed vision and a builder's skill, creating a number of machines and manufacturing spaces that drove the companies' successes.

Mark's passion for hunting and the outdoors led him to purchase a ranch outside of Lampasas, Texas. This piece of Hill Country paradise, acquired with the help of his military benefits, held a special place in his heart. Here he taught his boys how to walk quietly, observe keenly, and shoot straight. Memories shared around the campfire or walking the fence line will never be forgotten.

Life took Mark on various journeys, including a divorce in the late 1980s, but love wasn't finished with him yet. He found his heart's true north in his second wife, Darlene. The couple shared an inspiring 32 years together. While Mark was known for his fiery spirit, it was Darlene's calming influence that brought balance and warmth to his later years. As Mark battled dementia, it was Darlene's unwavering love and care that shone brightest, guiding him through the challenges and ensuring his days were filled with love and joy.

Mark joins his brother, Dick, and his son, Sean, in eternal rest. He leaves behind a legacy lovingly embraced by his wife Darlene and his sons and their families, Heath and Erica, Jason and Lisa, Scott and Anna, Greg, and Vic, grandchildren, Verity, Michael, Ashley, Kelly, Sebastian, Melissa and 11 great grand children.

He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know and love him.

A remembrance will be held at the Unity Funeral Home, 7730 Boone Rd, Houston, TX from 5 - 8 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023.

Mark's burial service will be at Hillsdale Cemetery, 278 Hillsdale Rd, Copperas Cove, TX at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

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