Mueller

Mark Allen Mueller, 24, of Plano, Texas, passed away May 26, 2026, in Clemson, S.C.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on June 25, 2026, in the Chapel at Christ Church Plano. A reception will follow, where family and friends are invited to share memories and eulogies.

Mark was preceded in death by his brother, Matthew James Mueller, and his grandparents, Allen Mueller, Barbara Mueller, Josephine Mueller, Barrillon Dougherty, and Marshall Dougherty.

He is survived by his parents, Jean and Brian Mueller; his sisters, Ashley Mueller and her husband, Jake Buckner, Kristen Mueller, and Lauren Mueller; his grandmother, Annie Mueller; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply.

Mark’s faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of his life. He loved the Lord and sought to grow in his relationship with Him. He attended Bible Study Fellowship from preschool through high school and was an active participant in Sunday School and church. His faith provided a foundation that guided him throughout his life and influenced the way he treated others. Even during difficult seasons, Mark continued to seek God’s presence and draw strength from his faith.

Throughout his life, Mark pursued excellence with determination, humility, and enthusiasm. From an early age, he distinguished himself academically, earning numerous honors including the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Duke TIP State and National Recognition, and membership in the National Honor Society. In middle school, he won his school’s Geography Bee and was one of only 100 students in Texas to advance to the state-level National Geographic Geography Bee.

Mark was also deeply committed to serving his school and community. At Plano Senior High School, he served as Treasurer and Health and Safety Officer on Student Congress. He was one of only four students to represent his school on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, where he provided feedback on district initiatives and advocated for student perspectives. Mark was also one of four students from across Plano ISD to serve on the district’s Five-Year Strategic Planning Committee. His contributions helped shape the district mission statement, which remains in use today. During high school, he also participated in the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program for two consecutive years, working for the City of Plano and Bureau Veritas.

Mark was actively involved in Scouting, where years of dedication, leadership, and service culminated in his earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors and found joy in camping, hiking, and mastering outdoor skills.

Mark was also a longtime rider at ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, where he participated in numerous horse shows, including the Chisholm Challenge, the Austin Rodeo, and ManeGait competitions. Riding was one of his greatest passions, and he often shared that being on horseback brought him a sense of peace and relaxation.

Another passion that shaped Mark’s life was running. What began on the Plano Senior High School track and cross-country teams grew into a lifelong pursuit. He remained active in the running clubs at both the University of Alabama and Clemson University, eventually serving as co-captain of Clemson’s running club. Through running, Mark found challenge, community, friendship, and personal fulfillment.

A gifted scholar and engineer, Mark graduated magna cum laude from the Honors College at The University of Alabama with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his undergraduate years, he was frequently recognized on the Dean’s List and President’s List for his academic excellence. Mark complemented his studies with extensive professional experience through a cooperative education program with Mercedes-Benz in Vance, Alabama, alternating semesters of coursework and engineering work over six semesters. His managers consistently praised his dedication, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and leadership. He also spent a summer as an engineering intern with General Motors in Lansing, Michigan, where he further developed the skills and work ethic that would characterize his promising career.

He continued his academic journey at Clemson University, where he was pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. His talent, work ethic, and intellectual curiosity quickly distinguished him among his peers. Reflecting on Mark’s arrival at Clemson, his advisor remarked that he had “hit the jackpot” when Mark joined the program. In just two years, Mark published three research papers and was nearing completion of a fourth—an extraordinary accomplishment that far exceeded typical expectations for graduate students.

While Mark’s achievements were impressive, those who knew him best will remember him not for his accomplishments, but for the person he was. They will remember his kindness, quiet determination, sense of humor, passion, and genuine care for others. Whether exploring a mountain trail, training for a race, helping a friend, or solving a complex engineering problem, Mark approached every challenge with curiosity, perseverance, and a desire to learn. Mark loved sharing his knowledge, no matter the topic, but he loved listening to and learning from others even more. He lived with purpose, integrity, and gratitude, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Mark was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend whose presence brought joy, encouragement, and steadfast love to those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to:

• ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, https://manegait. org/

• Clemson University Club Running

• Christ Church Plano, https://christchurchplano.org/ • The Jed Foundation, https://jedfoundation.org/ • Or a charity of your choosing.