MARK ALAN BURROUGHS, SR.

Mark Alan Burroughs, Sr., dedicated husband, father, grandfather, public servant, and esteemed attorney, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on May 2, 2024 at the age of 66. His untimely departure has left a profound void in the hearts of those close to him, but his family is at peace knowing that Mark left behind a legacy of love, integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to both his family and the city he so passionately served.

Born November 3, 1957 in Cincinnati, OH to Byron and Edna "Obie" Burroughs, Mark was the second of seven children. He attended Klein High School, in Klein, TX, where he participated in both the debate and math clubs, and played the French horn. Mark attended Stephen F. Austin State University, in Nacogdoches, TX, for three years where he earned degrees in History, Business, and Political Science, and served as Student Body President.

Mark went on to attend the University of Texas School of Law and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1982. After graduating from law school, Mark was employed as an ad valorem property tax attorney in the Houston area. He moved to Fort Worth, TX, in 1983 to join the law firm of Theodore C. Huke, P.C. where he specialized as an ad valorem property tax attorney and worked as defense counsel for federal government contractors across the United States. He became managing partner of Huke & Burroughs, P.C. in 1989. In September 1994 the law firm of Sawko & Burroughs P.C. was established with partner Gregory J. Sawko in Denton, TX. Mark exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to his clients and his vocation. He served on the ethics panel for the State Bar Association for the District 14 area of Texas.

It was in his role as a public servant that Mark excelled. Throughout his tenure, whether as an elected official or community leader, he tirelessly worked to address the pressing needs and concerns of his constituents. His dedication to leadership and his commitment to transparency and accountability earned him the trust and admiration of many who knew him. He was exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to serve his community.

On the evening prior to his passing, Mark attended the Denton Public School Foundation's Annual Senior Scholarship Awards presentation where he had the opportunity to deliver hundreds of thousands of scholarship dollars to deserving students in the Denton Independent School District.

Mark devoted himself to numerous civic endeavors in an effort to affect positive change. He served on many local boards and volunteered for many charitable organizations. He demonstrated a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place for all. He was, at the time of his passing, the sitting Board Chair of the Medical City Denton Hospital Board; Solutions of North Texas; Denton State Assisted Living Center Volunteer Services Council, and Denton Public School Foundation.

Mark was elected to the Denton City Council as a Member at Large and served three 2-year terms, during which his colleagues appointed him Mayor Pro Tem. He headed the Denton Citizens Bond Committee, chaired the North Central Texas Council of Government Regional Transportation Council, was Vice Chair of the Denton County Transportation Authority and the NCTCCOG North Texas Clean Air Coalition, and served on the board of TEX-21 Transportation Excellence for the 21st Century. Other regional boards on which he was an active Director included the North Texas Commission, DFW Partners in Mobility and KERA Public Broadcasting.

In 2008, Mark was elected Mayor of the City of Denton. He proudly served as Mayor from 2008 to 2014. Mark held memberships in the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and Metroplex Mayors Association, and he served as Secretary for the Western Metroplex Mobility Coalition. He viewed his service to the community as a privilege and never took for granted that it was the people that made it possible for him to do so.

Locally, Mark headed the Greater Denton Arts Council and served on the boards of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home, Denton Humanitarian Association, CASA of Denton County, DISD Adopt-A-School, State Bar of Texas' Pro Bono College, Denton Business and Education Coalition, the Denton Teen Court, and was a Past President and active member of the Denton Rotary Club.

The Denton Chamber of Commerce benefitted from Mark's multiple years of involvement as the Government Relations Division Officer. He was a graduate of the Chamber's Leadership Denton program and remained actively involved as a Curriculum Co-Chair and subsequently the General Chair. He continued his commitment to Leadership Denton by serving on the alumni board and was named Alumni of the Year. During his tenure as Mayor from 2013 to 2014, Mark also served as the Chairman of the Board of the Denton Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, Mark was awarded the Otis L. Fowler Award, which is the highest and most prestigious honor presented annually by the Denton Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond his professional achievements and public service, his primary devotion remained to his family. Mark was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Mark and his wife, Diana "Annie" McKee Burroughs, were married in 1991 and welcomed two beautiful children into the world: daughter Madeline Ashley Burroughs and son Mark A. Burroughs, Jr. Time spent with his family, and especially his grandson, Greyson, were his happiest and most cherished moments.

Bringing a smile to all those he loved, particularly to his wife Annie, brought Mark great happiness. Many an evening was spent joking with each other from their respective sides of the sofa, exchanging playful jabs with much love and laughter. His last act was sharing a personal joke with her, making her laugh and bringing her joy. Sharing love and laughter and making priceless memories with his family was always his purpose.

Notorious for his quick-witted humor and bright personality, Mark adamantly maintained a professional image and immaculate dress. From cleaning the pool to throwing the football with his son, and even during his evening naps, one could always find Mark in a tailored suit.

Mark understood the importance of travel. He took his family traveling around the world and afforded them the opportunity to experience and embrace many different cultures. During their travels, the Burroughs family formed friendships around the world that continue to this day. The memories created during these journeys will remain with his loved ones for the rest of their days. They were a priceless gift.

In his passing, Mark leaves behind his beloved wife, Diana "Annie" McKee Burroughs; children, Madeline "Maddie" Burroughs and Mark A. Burroughs Jr. and his wife, Chelsea Burroughs; a cherished grandson, Greyson Robert Burroughs; siblings, Jon and wife Tammie Burroughs, Dawn "Dee" Radick, Tamara "Tami" Gurrola, Scott and wife Shelby Burroughs, and Jeff and wife Tiffani Burroughs; thirteen nieces and nephews; and a vast number of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Edna "Obie" Burroughs; brother, Todd Burroughs; brother-in-law, Charles "Charlie" Gurrola; and his father-in-law, Robert D. McKee Sr.

Though he may no longer walk among us, he will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy of love, generosity, service, and true friendship be lasting.

The family will hold a private entombment. A public Celebration of Life will be held at the Murchison Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 16th at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mark's name to the Denton Public School Foundation, Solutions of North Texas, Denton State Assisted Living Center, the Denton Rotary Club, or the charity of your choosing.