Mark S. Watt
Mark Watt, Beloved Coach, Educator, and Mentor, Passes Away at 68
Mark Watt, 68, a celebrated coach, dedicated educator, and beloved mentor, has passed away surrounded by family in Lincoln, Nebraska. A devoted husband and father, Mark’s life was marked by an enduring passion for sports, a commitment to his students, and an unwavering dedication to his community.
Mark grew up in Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan and earned a Masters Degree in Health Promotion and Wellness Management at Springfield College in Massachusetts. Mark’s career took him far and wide, from teaching overseas in Greece and Saudi Arabia to the corporate wellness field in Connecticut.
For the last 32 years, he made his home in Nebraska, with a career teaching physical education and coaching that began at Brownell Talbot School in Omaha and ended with 26 years at Lincoln Public Schools and a stint as volunteer coach with the Nebraska Husker Softball Team. He became a respected figure at Lincoln Southwest High School and his influence was profound, not only as a teacher in the Health and Physical Education department but as a creator of the “Fitness for Life” program, which instilled healthy habits and the values of perseverance and discipline in countless students.
Mark’s legacy on the softball field is unparalleled. Over 20 seasons as the Girls Softball coach at LSW, he led his teams to four state championships and achieved a staggering 579 victories, making him Nebraska’s winningest coach in his sport and two time Coach of the Year. His devotion to his athletes went beyond wins and losses; Mark was a mentor who taught life lessons, showing his players how to excel with integrity, resilience, and teamwork. This year, his incredible achievements were celebrated with his induction into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of his enduring impact on Nebraska athletics.
Mark loved his family with all his heart and is survived by an extended family, who were his biggest fans and greatest source of pride. His wife, Ann, and daughters, Lindsay and Kelsey, will remember him for his passion, boundless energy, and especially his sense of humor and big laugh. Mark’s spirit will live on in the lives he touched and in the legacy of excellence and compassion he leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at Wilderness Ridge on Sunday, November 24th from 2-4. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the LSW Coach Watt Scholarship, continuing Mark’s mission to support and uplift the community he loved so dearly. Mark Watt will be remembered as a giant in his field, a treasured mentor, and a beloved friend whose legacy will be felt for generations to come.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Mark S. Watt
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mark did so many things for so many people his legacy will live on.
Chris and Laura
Coach Watt had a profound impact on my life and on so many others. When I moved to Nebraska and was struggling to adjust, he was my baseball coach that very first year and one of the first people who made me feel truly at home. His kindness and support helped me find my footing in a new place, and for that, I will always be grateful. His legacy will live on, not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for the lasting, personal impact he made on the lives around him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Kyle Flentje
I coached against Mark and I can say he was one of nicest guys I met during my coaching career. He didn’t have to be friendly or offer encouragement to me, but he did. He represented traits that we should all strive to achieve.
Simply The Best!! Thanks for all the memories, Coach! We will never forget you!
Our deepest sympathies to his family. He will be missed by so many.
Dave & Chrystal
Coach Watt, thank you for being a mentor for me. You have impacted so many lives in your tenure as a teacher and coach. “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”
Mark was a role model for so many and lifted you up whenever you were around him. Lincoln was so lucky to have him as a coach, teacher and an uplifting force for family and friends. He and his laugh will be really missed.
Mark was a good friend, knew him at church, St. Mark’s on the Campus, in the community, and as a volunteer at the Gathering Place. A good man who will be missed by many. Peace to all!
We are so very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was a wonderful man, coach, and father. Our love and prayers go to Ann, Kelsey, and Lindsay at this difficult time
Much Love,
The Kirkeby and Burrough Families
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Mark was a great man, and I am glad to have known you both, even though it was so long ago.
My very best to you as you enter this new stage of life.
With love,
Helen OKeefe
Heartbreaking news, Ann. Our thoughts are with you and your girls. We hold you in our hearts. Terri and Terry
I can remember Matt for elementary school, he was always a real nice guy, and every one in the class thought Mark was a great guy. Please accept my condolences, Watt family. My the good lord bless your family
Tim Weber
Dearest Ann, Kelsey and Lindsey,
We are heartbroken to hear of your loss and want you to know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Although we will be out of town on the 24th we will be sending loving thoughts to all of you.
Melissa, Mark and Ashley Epp
Mark was my basketball coach at Brownell Talbot. I’ll remember him as a great man, leader and overall influence on all he met. All my teammates at Brownell enjoyed playing for Coach Watt and still share stories today. Sending love and prayers to his family and loved ones. He will be missed!
Dear Ann, I am so sorry for your loss and I hope that you and your family find peace in the comfort of each other.
Thoughts and prayers for him, his family, all who he touched.
I believe I met Mark while I was principal at Irving Middle School. I was then thrilled and honored to be Mark’s principal at Southwest High School for the years 2013-2015. Mark had this quiet and yet determined manner about him. He was an inspiration to so many students and staff members. My sympathies and prayers go out to his family as I reflect on the wonderful time I had with him while at Southwest. I regret that I am out of town and won’t be able to meet his family at the Sunday gathering at Wilderness Ridge. I will miss Mark and the many wonderful teachers and administrators that I had the honor of working with at Southwest.
I was a student when Mark was teaching at Irving and at Lincoln Southwest. He was the nicest teacher I ever had at both schools. May his memory be a blessing.
We are so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. Mark was such a great friend to my family and to my son Zorte Edo from when he was a little boy Mark played soccer with him, gave a ven to use .he was a good man and he is in a better place. My prayers to you Anne and the girls God almighty will comfort you his protection over you all.
I got to know Mark from his visits to Bennett Martin library where He was a regular, I always enjoyed our conversations, He was a good friend and neighbor, thoughts are with his family
During his years at Omaha Brownell-Talbot, Mr Watt was first my teacher and later my coach. Mr. Watt was a steady influence in the lives of many a rambunctious teenager, myself included. I always appreciated his approach and dedication to his profession and his students. My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Ann and Family
So sad to learn of Mark’s passing. We have lost a great neighbor and an integral part of the neighborhood. He will be missed by all. When I think of him walking your dog, I have nothing but good memories of our chats and his never ending smile and positive attitude.