Mark Rutledge

Mark Marion Rutledge of Cedar Park, formerly of Waco, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2012 in Austin. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.

Mark was born January 23, 1970 to Harold Frank Rutledge and Pat Dodson Pophin in Waco. Mark attended Waco, Midway, and Bryan schools. At the time of his death, he was the sales manager for Terminix in the Austin area. He was employed by Terminix in Waco, prior to his move to Austin. His career in the extermination business also included employment with Orkin in Waco.

Mark loved the beach and being on water. He loved rebuilding cars with his father, motorcycles, and offroading. He was an artist and enjoyed creating art for his family and friends. His favorite thing to do was getting together with family and friends for a great cookout. His favorite quote was given to him by his mother, "You're always making memories, so make them good ones." After his children's grandmother's funeral recently, Mark commented to Shelley that if something should happen to him, he wanted everyone to be happy. His son Brandon said he passed away doing what he loved to do - driving his new dune buggy.

Mark was preceded in death by his stepfather, Earl Pophin.

He is survived by his parents; his fiancé, Shelley Barber; children, Brandon Mark Rutledge and Casey Danette Rutledge, of Penelope, and Shelby Alyssa Rutledge of Cedar Park; Shelley's daughters, Brittney Chea, Macie Leigh, and Hollie Alexis Barber of Waco, and Cierra McKenzie Barber of Cedar Park; grandson, Carson Lane Engelhardt; stepbrother, Walter Pophin of Chicago; and stepsister, Pam Pophin Searcy of Houston.

Honorary pallbearers are his long-time true friends, Larry DeFrees, Wynn Watson, Phillip Spencer, Bart Edwards, and Brian McLaughlin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or your favorite Charity.