Marcel George Beaubien, 92, of Llano died April 19, 2016

Marcel George “Mark” Beaubien passed away peacefully on the morning of April 19, 2016, in Llano, Texas, at the age of 92. Mark was born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, Canada, on May 5, 1923. He was the fifth child, and the third son, of Eva LaMere of Range, Wisconsin, and Philemon Beaubien.

Having suffered three crop failures and a house fire, the Beaubiens moved to Minneapolis in 1927 in search of a better life. A family story often recounted is one of Marcel, as the family knew him, being sent to the butcher to beg for a bone to flavor their boiled dinner (usually cabbage). He had those big blue eyes and was seldom turned away.

Mark earned his high school diploma from Edison High School in Minneapolis in 1942 and served as president of his senior class. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1949.

Mark was an aviation pilot during World War II. He served in three branches of the military: the Naval Reserve, Army Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. He reached the rank of 1st lieutenant.

He married Jean “Jeanne” Owens of Llano on April 14, 1967, and they had two children, Susan and Jay.

Mark was an astute businessman, having owned several successful businesses.

Mark was passionate about his faith, having completed seminary but electing to not take the vows of priesthood. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he donated much of his time and talents. He contributed to many church projects and was recognized for outstanding works by Pope John Paul II in 1989.

Mark was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 13245 and the American Legion Post Number 370 and served on the board of the Llano Housing Authority.

Mark was an avid Cowboys and Longhorns fan. He enjoyed reading and watching Westerns.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Eva LaMere and Philemon Beaubien; stepmother, Gertrude Shellhammer; wife, Jean Owens; brothers Phillip Beaubien and Everett Beaubien; sisters Lillian Liebl and Lucille Paul; and stepbrothers Richard and Robert Anderson.

Mark is survived by his children, Susan Beaubien of Castell and Jay Beaubien of Llano; stepchildren, Julie Davis Crouch and husband Frankie of Gilmer and Rhonda Davis Herridge and husband Roger of Llano; grandchildren, Bradley Beaubien of Dallas and Ashley Beaubien Brady and husband Dustin of Oneonta, Alabama; step-grandchildren, Sharla Crouch of Gilmer, Carl Crouch and wife Beth of Saginaw, Steven Crouch and wife Kelsey of Calgary, Canada, Jimmy Hill and Jeffrey Herridge, both of Llano; and 11 step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

His family and friends remember him as a kind, considerate and compassionate man and a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

Visitation and rosary are 6 p.m. April 24 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300.

A funeral Mass is 10 a.m. April 25 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Llano with Pastor-Rev. Melvin officiating. Interment will follow at the Llano City Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Frankie Crouch, Carl Crouch, Brandon Crouch, Roger Herridge, Jeffrey Herridge, Jasper Hill and Dustin Brady. Honorary pallbearers include Roger Wimberley, Roland Rode, George Book, Rayburn Houston, Mike Methvin and Ken Moore.

The family would like to thank the staff at Llano Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for all their compassionate, loving care.   

Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.