Mark Sandoval

August 30, 1976 - May 2, 2022

Mark Sandoval, 45 years old, entered into eternal rest on May 2, 2022 at his home in Abilene, TX. Mark was born in San Antonio, TX at the Nix Hospital on August 30, 1976. He was a graduate of MacArthur High School and excelled in numerous sports including wrestling, karate, soccer, tennis, golf and baseball. It was a true joy to watch Mark succeed in each of these sports. Mark’s personality and energy was larger than life. Everyone he met was a friend, and he was an avid music appreciator and concert fanatic. He loved the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, Phish, and Jay Z. Mark also loved the outdoors and was an avid surfer and snowboarder. He excelled in everything he put his heart into. He was blessed with the ability and love for hard work and this was evident until his untimely passing. Mark spent the majority of his life in San Antonio, TX, yet he also lived in Boulder, CO, Houston, TX and Abilene, TX, where he made countless memories and friends. His favorite quote was “Laughter is the best medicine,” and if you met Mark, you would truly know that by his distinctive laugh. His laugh could fill up a room and encourage everyone around him to join in. Mark was the most compassionate and giving person on this earth and would give the shirt off his back for anyone. He just wanted to make everyone feel special. He was an unbridled stallion who ran to remain free in this world. Morgan Freeman must have had Mark in mind when his character in Shawshank Redemption said, “I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright!” The love of his life was his family and his eight-year-old son Hunter and his daughter Francesca. Mark was a devoted father who lived for teaching his children a love for life, Jesus and family. Mark left a lasting impression on everyone that he met. He had a wonderful soul. He was the fearless protector of his family and friends and had a special spot in his heart for the underdog. Mark’s magnificent spirit and love for life truly graced this earth and left a lasting impression. Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Minerva and Harold Farmer and Emilia Perez. He is survived by his son Hunter Sandoval and Hunter’s mother, Emily Hawthorne, daughter Francesca Flores, father Sal Sandoval (Janey), mother Judy Castillo (Vic), and his brothers Jeffrey Sandoval and Sal Sandoval MD. Mark leaves behind his loving nieces Scarlett Sandoval, Jordan Sandoval, Phoenix Sandoval, Desiree Neitzel and nephew Jude Sandoval. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Peabody. The family will be receiving friends and family for a Celebration of Life at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Mission Park Funeral Chapel Cherry Ridge, 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78230. We will be hosting a reception for the family at Hacienda De Los Barrios, on the patio after the service at 18474 Redland Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78259. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, stjude.org or Pay it Forward SA, payitforwardsa.org in the name of Mark Sandoval.