Mark Dwayn Gowin, age 52, of Palmer, Texas, passed away at home on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Born on May 12, 1973, in Waxahachie, Texas, he was the son of James and Betty Gowin and was one of seven siblings.

Mark, better known to his friends as Marky-Doo, spent most of his life in his hometown of Palmer, Texas where he could oftentimes be found scouring the Trinity river bottoms for whatever critters dared to show their face. If he wasn't at the river, you could catch him on a boat with his buddies top water fishing for bass, or in the woods hunting deer and hog alike. Mark was always the life of the party, surrounded by good friends, hilarious conversation and, let's be real, a few questionable antics. In his later years, Mark embraced the role of a grandpa, cherishing moments spent with his two grandchildren, Zailye and Cyprus. This slower pace of life brought him great joy, and he welcomed the responsibility with open arms.

While hunting, fishing and grandkids were passions close to his heart, nothing compared to the love he had for his son, Dawson Gowin. Mark and Dawson were inseparable, sharing countless adventures and experiences together during Dawson's all-too-brief life. Alongside Dawson's mother, Susan, and sister, Chelsea, they formed a family bound by love and familiarity.

Tragically, in January 2022, Dawson was taken from this world at the young age of 21. From that moment, Mark's heart would never feel whole again. In honor of his son, Mark dedicated each day to visiting Dawson's gravesite, keeping their connection alive through shared memories.

Though we grieve the loss of Mark here on Earth, there's a glimmer of comfort in knowing he's now reunited with his beloved son—exactly where he would want to be, making mischief together once again.

Mark is preceded in death by: James and Betty Gowin, Robert Gowin, James Mills, Lisa Gail Mills, Dawson Gowin, Logan Forester, Ace Jackson, Haven and Hayden Mills and many other close family and friends.

Mark is survived by his partner, Susan Hodges, daughter, Chelsea Hodges, Peyton "PeyPey" Hamilton, son, Nick Jones, grandchildren, Zailye Forbes and Cyprus Graham, along with many siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, special mention to Mark's best friend, Joe Skroh, for taking on the caretaker role in Mark's final weeks. The family acknowledges what a blessing that was for Mark as he endured a difficult last few months.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. until noon in the J.E. Keever Mortuary (Palmer Chapel), 200 West Jefferson St., Palmer, TX 75152

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2 p.m. in Forreston Cemetery, Lumkins Rd., Forreston, TX 76041 (GPS Coordinates: 32.23000, -96.86780) under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Submitted by family