Mark Loring Wheeler, age 73, of Fort Worth, Texas, died at home surrounded by friends and family February 23, 2026, after a seventeen-year battle with multiple cancers.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, Capstone Church, 4600 Veterans Parkway, Benbrook, Texas.

Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.

Born at Georgia Baptist Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, Mark was the son of Reuben Loring Wheeler and Dorothy Jane Wheeler formerly of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Mark was an Air Force veteran having served as a Weapon System Security Supervisor assigned to the Strategic Air Command, 380th Combat Support Group, Plattsburgh, AFB. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service as well as several academic and job performance awards.

Mark earned a bachelor's degree in criminology from the State University of New York (SUNY) in 1981 and went on to obtain additional degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science before returning to civilian life. He served in civilian law enforcement and corporate security for more than 30 years.

Mark answered the call to the bi-vocational pastoral ministry in 1991, and eventually full-time ministry in 2010. He also served as a volunteer Chaplain for the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department until 2016. Pastor Mark authored the book Close Call in December 2015 and in June 2016 was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity in recognition of that work and his lifetime contributions to the ministry.

Pastor Mark was an avid fisherman, muscle car enthusiast, and fiercely loyal Clemson Tiger fan. Pastor Mark was also a high school athlete lettering in Football and Baseball. He was a 1st Team All-Conference Selection in Baseball in his senior year and a walk-on at Clemson University.

Pastor Mark is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Wheeler; daughter, Rebecca Lee Hinds; daughter, Megan Wheeler-Borthwell and husband, Brian; grandson, Jeramy Hinds; sister, Sandra Fletcher and husband, Jeff; and niece, Jordan Faikish and husband, Jeff.