Students, family honor of “Pops”, a school security guard who died fishing on the Trinity River.

Mark Knowles followed a ritual every day. He went fishing on the Trinity River, returned home and ate dinner while watching his favorite TV show with his wife Elizabeth.

On October 23, Elizabeth Knowles came home from work and called her husband to ask if he was fishing. He laughed and said he wasn’t there yet, but he was on his way. That was the last time she heard his voice on the phone.

Mark Knowles’ body found from the Yasny branch of the Trinity River in Fort Worth last week, according to police. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the 66-year-old man’s cause of death. Elizabeth said she doesn’t think the autopsy report will be ready for at least 90 days.

Mark, who had retired, served as a crossing guard. Lily B. Clayton Elementary School and a TCU security officer.

Dwayne Ferguson, another crossing guard at the elementary school, said Mark, affectionately known as Pops, did a lot for children and society.

He handed out candy to each child on the way home, telling them to listen to their parents and do their homework, and the students loved him, Ferguson said.

“We dressed up every holiday and laughed and danced and played music,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said it will be tough without Mark this holiday season, but they will likely still dress up to try to carry on his legacy.

Eric Gilbert, TCU Special Operations Commander, said Mark was very outgoing and inquisitive and was excited to be a part of TCU.

Gilbert said that at work, Mark was always willing to help and could be counted on to volunteer for any task on campus.

Each year, the arrival of new students is a big deal for TCU, and Mark was busy making sure people had water and everyone was taken care of, Gilbert said.

“We definitely miss him,” Gilbert said. “Unfortunately, we only have a small, limited time to spend with him here. He was definitely a dedicated employee.”

Perry Johnston, a neighbor and fellow TCU employee, said Mark enjoyed working TCU football games. He said he had good relationships with many students.

“It wasn’t a long relationship, but it was a short relationship,” said Johnston, who knew Mark for about two and a half years.

Community members and elementary school students placed plaques in his memory on the school grounds, where he handed out treats to children.

“Pops, thanks for protecting us. Always in our hearts,” reads one of the posters.

“You know, not everyone feels that way about you,” Johnston said. “If you commit to keeping in touch with your friends, family and neighbors, and for them to return the favor by showing him how much they love him.”

Elizabeth said her husband died doing what he loved most: fishing. She said she takes comfort in the community’s outpouring of love for him.

According to Elizabeth, he not only dressed up for the children at school, but also dressed up for every holiday with his family. Mark had already chosen his Halloween costume: he planned to dress up as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

“We’re going to trick-or-treat with the grandkids and celebrate Pops that way,” Elizabeth said.