Mark Alan Cogburn, Jr.

Mark Alan Cogburn, Jr October 5, 1986 – April 26, 2016 It is with such heavy hearts and an overwhelming sadness that our families announce the passing of Mark Alan Cogburn Jr. Mark left this world and crossed over to join the Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Mark was born on October 5th, 1986 at Visalia Community Hospital. He attended Pinkham Elementary from first through fifth grades and started sixth grade at Central Valley Christian where he graduated Senior High School in 2005. Mark played all sports, but it was on the football field where he truly exceeded all of our expectations. In his Junior and Senior seasons Mark was selected as First Team All-State Offensive Lineman, First Team All-League Offensive Lineman, Fresno Bee All-State Team, Tulare County All Star Teams and helped his team go undefeated two years for a record of 26-0. From CVC Mark went on to attend College of the Sequoias where he earned an AA and started two years at Offensive Tackle and in 2007 he was the Comeback Player of the Year, after suffering a knee injury at the end of 2006. Shortly after finishing his career at COS, Mark was given a full ride scholarship to Troy State University in Troy, Alabama but unfortunately, his football career ended when he had his ACL, MCL and Patella reconstructed after another devastating injury during Spring Practice. After leaving Troy, Mark began working for Joe Berry, his maternal grandfather at Central Valley Dairy Breeders where he analyzed cows and worked on the family ranch. Cows were a big part of Marks life, he loved working with cattle and was working on a dairy, out of state, when he passed away. As a little boy Mark loved motorcycles and boating. He got the bug from his parents, family members and friends, after growing up near the Pismo Dunes and Lake Kaweah. Mark got his first bike around 10 years of age, an XR 100, which after about a month told his dad he had outgrown it and needed a new 250. This theme stayed with Mark because to him, you couldn’t have too big of a ski boat or too fast of a bike. Mark Jr is survived by his mother, Sheri Berry-Cogburn, father Mark Cogburn, Sr., brother Joel Cogburn, grandparents Glen and Nancy Cogburn, grandparents Joe and Nancy Berry, all of Visalia, CA. Aunts Carol De Arman-Mayer of Minneapolis, MN and Kimberly Brosseau of Salinas, CA. Uncles include Joe Berry III, of Shell Beach, CA, Ramsey Berry of Visalia, CA and Chris Cogburn of Visalia, CA; also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews are to be included. A viewing will be held at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, located at 127 E. Caldwell Ave, Visalia, on Sunday, May 8th from 4pm to 8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell St, Visalia, on Monday, May 9th at 10am. Mark will be laid to rest at The Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, directly following the memorial service. At the conclusion of the graveside service, family and friends are invited back to Gateway Church/Fellowship Hall to share in a luncheon gathering in Mark’s memory and honor at 12pm. Condolences may be left by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Mark Alan Cogburn, Jr.

October 5, 1986 - April 26, 2016