Mark Robert Pravel, Sr.

Mark Robert Pravel Sr., 71, passed away on November 6, 2021, at his home in Leesville, Texas. He was born in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 1949, to Bernarr Roe and Retta Louise (Atkinson) Pravel. Mark graduated from Memorial High School in 1968, attended Texas A&M University for a year and a half and then obtained a BBA in Marketing from the University of Houston in 1973.

After obtaining his BBA, he began his career at Penn Mutual as an Insurance Agent. In 1981, Mark opened Mark R. Pravel Insurance Brokerage in Houston, Texas. In 1994, Mark married Cecelia “Cici” Heath in Langtry, Texas at Judge Roy Bean’s. In 1997, they moved to Leesville, Texas to The Pravel Family Ranch. Mark relocated his business to Gonzales, Texas.

Mark was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, Shriner, 2nd Generation Eagle Scout, and was a member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas. Mark served on the Belmont Wildlife Management Association for 13 years and was passionate about Wildlife Conservation for Gonzales County. He loved his community, volunteering, and paying it forward.

Mark was a proud Texan and a true outdoorsman. He loved playing golf, going on trail rides, fishing, and boating. He looked forward to hunting each year with his buddies. He loved to cook for his family, entertain, tell stories and jokes. Mark was a prankster and loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed planning annual family trips and always made sure the perfect menu was in place. Mark loved his family and friends and adored his six granddaughters. He will truly be missed.

Mark was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Cici (Heath) Pravel, his daughter, Laura Ann (Pravel) Herring and husband Craig of Cypress, Texas; his son, Mark Robert Pravel Jr. and his wife Amie of Spring, Texas; grandchildren Ashley Herring, Brittany Herring, Courtney Herring, Madilyn Pravel, Madison Ledesma, Olivia Ledesma; sister, Bonnie P. Laverty and husband Paul; sister, Ann P. Cherry and husband Wayne; brother, James W. Pravel; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members and friends.

Mark’s family will remember him during a private Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mark’s name to: MD Anderson www.mdanderson.org, St. Judes www.stjude.org, or Shriners Hospital www.lovetotherescue.org. Friends and family may leave condolences and sign the guestbook by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.