Mark E. Van Ness

Mark E. Van Ness passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the age of 60 at UTMB. He was surrounded by his family and friends. 

Mark was born on May 31, 1965 to Johnny and Linda Van Ness of Galveston, Texas. He was a BOI, “Born on the Island” and attended Island Elementary, Weis Middle School and graduated from Ball High School in 1983. He left the Island to continue his education at Stephen F. Austin University where he earned a BA in Finance in 1988. Shortly after college, he moved back to Galveston and married Cathy Connard. He worked at the Galveston County Auditor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Dept. and UTMB. Mark and Cathy had two daughters, Elizabeth and Allison. Of all his accomplishments, he was and is most proud of and grateful for the family he created and raised. He was an avid supporter of his wife and children throughout all of their endeavors. You could often find him coaching and cheering on Libby and Alli. Whether it was softball, adagio dance, or soccer, he was there. Years later, Mark became a grandfather. At this point in life, Mark, lovingly known as “Papa”, was truly in his element. Emmy, Cullen, Hayes and Levy were the absolute loves of his life and will forever have a guardian angel watching over them.Mark was also deeply connected to a multitude of friends, many from his early elementary years. He could engage with just about anyone about anything, so not a surprise that he developed new friends on a daily basis. His Thursday lunch bunch, card games, golf cart rides with grandkids and cruising with friends were a few of his favorite things. 

Mark was smart, he was dependable like no other, he was funny and oh so memorable; he was strong willed and he was devoted. If you could call Mark your friend, son, husband, father, Papa, uncle or brother, you can consider yourself a blessed individual. A common theme we can all agree upon… we were loved by someone special. 

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Van Ness, grandparents, Dorothy Hansen, Anton Hansen, Lucille Van Ness, and Fred Van Ness, father-in-law, William Connard. 

Mark is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cathy Van Ness; his Mother, Linda Van Ness; his children, Libby Miranda (Jorge) and Alli Healy (J. Jacob); Grandchildren- Emmy Catherine, Cullen Wells, Hayes Hansen, and Levy Anne; Brothers - John Van Ness (Kristin) and Chris Van Ness. He was also well loved by a multitude of relatives to include his Mother-in-Law-Janice Connard; in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held at J. Levy & Termini Funeral home at 10:00 a.m. and service starting at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with Pastor David Buco officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkland Health Foundation - Burn Center online at https://parklandhealthfoundation.org/donate/ or Parkland Health Foundation - Burn Center at 1341 Mockingbird Ln., Suite 1100E Dallas, Texas 75247.

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