Roll Call Tribute

Mark E. Westhusin, DVM

March 27, 1958 - May 21, 2024 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Westhusin, 66, of College Station, Texas, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather on May 21, 2024.

Mark was born on March 27, 1958, and was raised on a wheat farm outside of Plainville, Kansas. He was the oldest of five children.

Mark, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology at Texas A&M University, was a friend, teacher and mentor to many. He was a lifelong learner, always pursuing knowledge and encouraging others to do the same. Mark enjoyed science, teaching, and the excitement of discovery. He was a man of many talents with a sharp wit and a greater sense of humor.

He married his college sweetheart, Lisa Lawler, the love of his life. They both treasured each other's love and support and built a beautiful family.

He found the most joy through raising his three wonderful children: Sarah, Matthew, and Joshua, each inheriting a piece of Mark’s brilliance, wisdom and humor.

Mark joined the faculty of the Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 1992. His world-renowned research contributed to major advancements in cloning and assisted reproductive technology. He was the author of more than 75 scientific publications that continue to have major impacts on the world. Mark’s accomplishments established Texas A&M as the center of cloning technologies. He and his colleagues were responsible for many of the world’s firsts in the field of animal cloning and included the world famous cat, CC and white-tailed deer, Dewey. Mark’s extraordinary achievements were innovative and impactful, as recognized by numerous honors, including the National Institutes of Health Director’s Award, the American Society of Animal Sciences Scholarship Award, Pfizer Research Award, and the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award for Research from the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students. His scientific imagination had no boundaries and he was well known by all his colleagues (and students) to aggressively propose radical ideas, some of which actually worked. All his collaborators would agree that the best part of science with Mark is the fun you would have while you worked side by side, in the field, the lab or the operating room. Mark was one of the world’s most internationally respected reproductive scientists, who made groundbreaking advances that continue to benefit society. Science for Mark was not a job, it was exciting and full of laughter and enthusiasm for the project at hand.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Ronald Westhusin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Lisa; daughter, Sarah (Scott); son, Matthew (Abby); and son Joshua (Lindsay); and his eight cherished grandchildren, Hayes and Henry Barrett, Elliot, Lucy, Finn, and Beck Westhusin; and Wyatt and Rylie Westhusin. In addition, he is survived by his four siblings, Vance Westhusin, Fred Westhusin, Terry Westhusin and Julie Downing.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations please be made to Winnie Carter Wildlife Center.  Home - Winnie Carter Wildlife Center (tamu.edu)