A private, family service will be held in celebration of the life of Mark C. Hertel, 59, who died April 26 at his home in Teague.

Mr. Hertel was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 23, 1950. He was raised in Pittsburgh until he moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia where he graduated from Stafford High School in 1969.

Mr. Hertel enlisted into and proudly served in the United States Marine Corp in 1970. He attended Slippery Rock University and graduated in 1979 with a bachelors degree in secondary education. While in college, he met Eileen McNeice, who would be the love of his life for 27 years.

Mr. Hertel raised three daughters, who were his life and his everything. He found a love and a fascination in rebuilding anything he could collect: cars, musical instruments, clocks and antiques. He was a wonderful friend to all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Hertel is survived by his wife Eileen McNeice Hertel of Levittown, Pennsylvania and Teague, Texas; his daughters Meghan Hertel, Brenna Hertel and Markie Hertel, all of Teague; his father David Hertel and wife Barbara of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his brothers Scott Hertel of Raphine, Virginia and Claude Lupton of Fredericksburg, Virginia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Mr. Hertel was preceded in death by his mother Lillian Lupton and his uncle and mentor, Charlie Baker.

To sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family, visit bowersfuneralhome.net.

Bowers Funeral Home of Teague was in charge of the arrangements.