Mark Sanborn Knapp

Mark Sanborn “Sandy” Knapp passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on May 13, 2026, at Providence Park – St. Catherine Center in Waco, Texas. A memorial service will be held on May 20, 2026, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas beginning at 5:00 p.m. Visitation with the family and friends will follow immediately and continue until 7:00 p.m.

Mark Sanborn “Sandy” Knapp was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on October 21,1942. The nickname “Sandy” was given to him growing up due to his sandy red hair. He moved to Waco, Texas with his family when he was 5 years old. He was a member of the St. Albans Episcopal Church and attended Waco Schools, graduating from Reicher Catholic High School, where he met his future wife, Janice, whom he adored. After a brief time at Baylor University, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country for 4 years in Germany. Once Sandy returned to Waco, he resumed his studies at Baylor and received a bachelor’s degree in political science and graduated from Baylor Law School with a Juris Doctorate Degree.

Sandy loved life with his family with trips to the beach and snow skiing. He was an avid golfer and loved golfing with his grandson and friends. He was a major Baylor Basketball supporter, a member of the Baylor Bear Foundation Club, and was known for his antics with the referees. Known for his quick wit, he never failed to make someone laugh. Sandy was passionate about his law work, practicing in Central Texas for over 50 years, always remaining true to the rule of law. He was especially proud of the volunteer legal aid that he provided to the Veteran community through Veterans One Stop. He will forever be remembered in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Herbert William Knapp; mother, Ruth Sanborn Knapp; and brother, Richard Minshall Knapp.

He is survived by his devoted loving wife of 48 years, Janice Guthrie Knapp; his two children from a previous marriage, son Mark William Knapp and his wife Heather Touchton Knapp, daughter Maribeth Knapp Brown and husband Aaron Brown; Janice’s children, daughter Kelly Carter Branch, son Stephen Guthrie Branch; grandchildren, Savannah Madison Branch, Stephen Jackson Branch, Patricia Evelyn Brown, Katie Allison Brown, Anna Beth Brown, and Rowan Gale Knapp.

Memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue at 6321 Airport Rd, or your charity of choice.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Sandy in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.