Mark August Nies, 64, of Bridge City, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the Medical Center in Port Arthur.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2014, with a Memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Barry Bradley of First Baptist Church of Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on March 16, 1950, Mark was the son of Louis Herman Nies and Emma Jane Colburn Nies. He loved the Longhorns, the Cowboys, WWII History, and Documentaries. He was the family cook, and passed that love to his son, Eric. Mark loved spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. He was an athlete in his high school days, receiving a scholarship to McNeese in Track and Field. He later graduated on the Dean’s list with an Associate’s Degree from Lamar. While attending Lamar he worked at Levingston Ship Building alongside his father and brother. After graduation, Mark began working for Owens Illinois, and later worked for several other companies before working his way up to project manager in the offshore marine industry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Bill Collins. Mark is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Nies of Bridge City; sons, Eric August Nies, Aaron Brandon Nies, and Matthew Cody Nies all of Bridge City; brother, Michael and wife Sylvia Nies of Orange; sister, Jean Margaret and husband Jack Bissey of Kingwood; mother-in-law, Jo Ann Collins of Bridge City; brother-in-law, Gary and wife Jan Collins of West Palm Beach, Florida; nephews, Kory Manuel, Troy Manuel, and Casey Gary all of Orange, and Chris Collins of West Palm Beach, Florida; niece, Jessica Escobar of Kingwood; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311.