Mark Allen Urbin
March 24, 1964 – August 26, 2026

Mark was born on March 24th, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, where he spent most of his young adult years. He was the older brother of Michael (Mike) Urbin and the son of Larry and Joanne Urbin.

Mark attended Chippewa Valley High School from 1979–1982, where he played baseball, was a member of King Lou’s, and had a wonderful group of friends that he continued to stay in touch with throughout the years. He was known for his fashion sense from working at Designer Depot. Mark had more cable-knit sweaters than anyone! He was also an avid collector of baseball cards.

Mark went on to pursue a Finance degree at Oakland University while working at GE Appliances, and he has remained with the company ever since. He held various roles within GE and enjoyed his time there with his coworkers. He made friendships throughout the years and was a great leader to those around him. GE took him to Indiana, Florida, Kentucky (where he met Ginny), Wisconsin, and eventually Texas, where they reside now.

Mark met Ginny in Louisville, Kentucky, at Oldenburg Brewing Company on September 27th, 1999. He was supposed to go to the last game at Tiger Stadium that night but decided to stay and golf with his buddies instead. That night he met Ginny, and the rest was history! They got engaged on September 2nd, 2000, and were married on May 19th, 2001. Their first child, Grace, was born on August 15th, 2002. They lived in Louisville for 13 months after that.

The three of them then moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin, where they happily lived for 10 years. Lauren arrived shortly thereafter on June 14th, 2004, and William was born on April 24th, 2007. Throughout those years, they met a fantastic group of neighbors who often gathered for “porch nights.” Mark loved hosting with wine, bourbon, and good food. He especially loved cooking for guests when they came over. The kids loved living in Wisconsin with the beautiful summers, snow forts, and building snowmen. After 10 years, the cold got to them, and they moved to Lucas, Texas. Again, they met a great group of neighbors and friends. Mark and Ginny have always hit the jackpot with their communities.

Mark enjoyed watching Grace on the cheer team at football games and pep rallies. Lauren played volleyball in middle school, and he cheered her on at the games. He walked with her when she was nominated for Senior-year Homecoming Queen. Mark also loved coaching Will’s sports, and as he got older, supporting him from the stands.

He also loved anything Michigan, of course. Will and Mark bonded over their love for Michigan by visiting Ann Arbor to see Mike and go to games. Every Michigan football game, there was a Michigan flag hanging outside the house. Some of our best memories are from when Michigan beat Ohio State! During football season, he also took great pride in his Fantasy Football. You would find him going over statistics and talking to his friends 24/7 about the players and teams.

As the kids graduated high school and attended their colleges, one of Mark’s favorite things to do was visit for Parents’ Weekend, Dad’s Day, and football games. He was extremely proud of all three of his children and was dedicated to making sure they thrived.

In November 2018, a virus attacked his heart, and he needed a heart transplant. He found out on his birthday in 2019 that there had been a match. On March 25th, he had a successful heart transplant and came home to make a full recovery. He never let this bump in the road bring his spirits down. This experience solidified his faith in the Lord.

Even though this was a joyous outcome for the Urbin family, Mark never forgot his donor, Caro, and her family. They met multiple times and cherished their connection. He always celebrated her birthday and continuously prayed for Caro’s family.

Sadly, a few months after the transplant, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Over the years, he underwent treatments and surgeries. Mark needed to take immunosuppressant medications to make sure his body did not reject his heart. Because of this, the cancer came back multiple times.

He was such a fighter over the last seven years and always maintained a positive attitude. The family is grateful that we had these seven years. In fact, seven is a special number to his donor, Caro. Her birthday was February 7th, she was the 7th child, and now she has given Mark seven more years. We know that God has worked in our story, and we are forever thankful.

In July 2026, he found out that cancer had come back more aggressively. He went into the hospital on August 4th, 2026, and then came home for hospice care on August 20th. Mark passed away on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 62 years old.

Mark was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. Everyone who knew him loved him and is mourning his loss.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Ginny Urbin; children, Grace, Lauren, and Will Urbin; and brother, Mike Urbin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Joanne Urbin of Detroit, Michigan.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Friday, September 11 at 11:00am at Chase Oaks Church, Sloan Creek Campus, 611 Stacy Rd., Fairview, Texas 75069, with Jeremy LeBlanc officiating.

Mark loved wearing color, so we are encouraging everyone to dress in colorful attire.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mark Urbin to Donate Life America. https://donatelife.net/how-you-can-help/contribute/