Community Mourns the Loss of Former Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee
Bryan, Texas
The city of Bryan, Texas, is mourning the loss of its former Mayor, Mark Conlee. Conlee passed away on Monday night following a lengthy illness.
A Life of Service
A fourth-generation Bryan resident, Conlee was educated in Bryan public schools and later obtained a business degree from Sam Houston State University. His dedication to the local community was evident throughout his life as a businessman and later as a public servant. Conlee operated restaurants 3C Barbeque and Red Bandana for many years while holding leadership positions with the Brazos Valley and Texas restaurant associations.
Years in Politics
Mark Conlee’s political journey began with his election to the Bryan City Council on May 15, 2004. He was elected in Single Member District Four to fill an unexpired term. On May 7, 2005, his community showed their faith in him by re-electing him to a full three-year term. His tenure as mayor started on May 12, 2007, and was marked by his tireless efforts towards community development.
A Legacy Remembered
“Had it not been for the works, and the thoughts, and the vision of the people before us, none of us would be standing here right now in the positions and situations that we are in,” said current Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez.
He further said, “Mark was a loving father, a loving husband and a loving grandfather. His legacy is his kids and his wife that is here to pick up and continue on the good works that they have been doing for all these years.”
Notable Achievements as Mayor
During his time as Mayor, Conlee oversaw several significant initiatives, including:
- The approval of an interlocal agreement for the operation of a shared Community Emergency Operations Center.
- Acquiring property for the Twin Oaks Landfill project..
- The Bryan Public Library was renamed as the Clara B. Mounce Public Library in his term.
- The creation of the Bryan-Brazos County Economic Development Foundation.
- The construction of the Bryan Fire Station Number Five.
- And, the location of the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center in Bryan, for which Conlee was presented a remembrance for his tireless efforts.