Mark Ronald Reinhardt
SEPTEMBER 10, 1958 – JANUARY 22, 2025
Born September 10, 1958, in Huntsville, Texas while his father, Reverend Ronald Alexander Reinhardt, established Faith Lutheran and pastored at the Huntsville State Penitentiary; his mother, Jeanne Marie Wells Reinhardt, placed her career as a nurse on hold to raise and nurture Mark followed two years later by best friend and brother, Scott Christopher Reinhardt. After briefly residing in Huntsville, Texas, the family moved to Decatur, Alabama where Ron accepted the position of pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) and remained their pastor until retirement. Mark called Decatur home where neighbors became family. While most were focused on hunting and fishing, Mark’s interests were ski boats and convertibles. He was found skiing on the Tennessee River after school.
A natural-born engineer, Mark honed his chemical engineering skills at Auburn University – War Eagle! He was offered a co-op position at 3M in Minnesota while a student. Never to miss out on water skiing, especially with the long summer days Minnesota afforded, he brought his boat with him. Prior to graduation, Mark accepted a position with Texaco Chemical in Port Arthur, Texas where he packed up his VW Bug and headed to Texas while Ron towed the trusty boat with his pickup.
For someone who loved the water, his friendships didn’t ebb and flow like that of the ocean along the shoreline, Mark collected friends that lasted a lifetime. As is the handbook for young professionals, “work hard, play harder” Mark built not only his career, but also friendships and memories that carried him to the end. The tales of the infamous house parties hosted with his roommate, festivals, weekend trips and happy hours became legendary. As is the case with young professionals, the group eventually transferred out of the area, but never lost touch.
Mark transferred to New Orleans where one of Texaco’s oldest plants was redeveloped into a used oil recycling facility. Mark’s natural problem-solving ability, calm and steady nature, along with his engineering skills were the trifecta needed for the team to succeed. Once the facility was up and running, he was able to enjoy all the city had to offer…and that he did. An invitation to a vendor-sponsored Saints v. Cowboys football game led Mark to meet Mia Lyn Sclafani, whom he later married and had two God-fearing, Eagle Scout, handsome, respectful Aggie sons, Henry Alexander Reinhardt, and William Leonhardt Reinhardt.
Never for complacency, Mark transferred again, this time to Texaco headquarters in New York, where he was the US desk for the Dubai office. After years of stationed in the field, Mark settled into the corporate life rather quickly…and living outside of New York City was a nice perk. Although he was rather suited for city-life, the encumbrances of a TR-8 convertible, SeaRay professional ski boat, 4-Runner, and a Southern belle bride who insisted on bringing china and crystal service for 16, a Manhattan apartment was not an option. A house in Connecticut was called home. Ever the consummate host, Mark enjoyed spending 1999/2000 New Years Eve in Times Square (where he made the cover of Newsweek magazine), box seats at the US Open to see Pete Sampras, countless evenings at Broadway shows, dining at five-star restaurants, and the search for the best underground Blues clubs were his pastime. Hosting family and friends was his delight.
Just when Mark was settling into Texaco headquarters, he was transferred to downtown Houston where he was tasked with selling the licensing of technology developed from the used oil recycling facility in New Orleans. Houston will always be a special place for Mark. Not only is it the city he lived in the longest, but also where his proudest accomplishments took place, the birth of his sons.
Two days before William, his youngest, was born, the bags were packed as Texaco transferred Mark back to New Orleans. Life in New Orleans was a little different this time…two babies, rebuilding after hurricane Katrina, and change.
Returning to Houston Mark threw himself into fatherhood. He was the baseball, soccer, squash, swim and of course, lacrosse dad. Always with the folding chair in the car ready for the sporting event(s) du jour. If the weekend was not surrounded by sports, it was Scouts, and in most cases, both.
Above all, Mark gave back to the community. Earning his Eagle Scout award in Alabama, he gave back to the organization as a Troop 354 Cub Scout leader at St. Martin’s Episcopal in Metairie, LA; Troop 266 Webelos Assistant Leader at West University United Methodist Church in West University Place, TX; and Assistant Troop Leader at Troop 55, St. John the Divine Episcopal, Houston, TX. Mark also was involved with his church family as an elder at Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
January 22, 2025, Mark was welcomed home by his parents and brother. His sons will carry on his legacy.