John Mudge
September 5, 1980 — March 21, 2014
John Daniel Mudge, born on September 5, 1980, passed away on March 21, 2014, at the age of 33. He was a loving father, dedicated husband, son, brother, teacher, coach, and friend. John was a joy and inspiration to all who met him, whether on the football field, the classroom, or floating down the Guadalupe. John was born in Clovis, New Mexico, and lived in Nevada, Alabama, Germany, and England, before settling in Texas, the great state he loved to call home. John graduated from Lakenheath High School in Lakenheath, England where he was an All-Europe Linebacker for the Lakenheath Lancers. He received his Bachelor's Degree at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas where he played tight end and defensive end. He accepted his first coaching position with the Nacogdoches High School football program in Nacogdoches, Texas where he simultaneously completed his Master's Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and his certification in Strength and Conditioning at Stephen F. Austin University. He then joined on as Defensive Coordinator and Science teacher with the New Braunfels High School Unicorns, where his leadership and abilities were respected and admired by the staff, students and athletes alike. John loved working with his students and players; he also loved his house projects, getting new tattoos, and rocking out to Tool; but more than anything he enjoyed spending time with his beautiful wife Marsha and showing his amazing little boys, Tanner and Jackson, what it means to work hard and be a good person. He approached life with unstoppable energy and laughter, but his greatest strength was his unwavering perseverance; he confronted every adversity with focus, determination, and heart. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a fiercely shining light. Rest in peace Coach Mudge. Survivors include his wife, Marsha Mudge of Cibolo, Texas; children, Tanner Mudge, age 4, and Jackson Mudge, age 2, of Cibolo, Texas; parents, Wayne and Melissa Mudge of Garden Ridge, Texas; grandmothers, Judith Ingram of Garden Ridge, Texas, and Frankie Laird of New Braunfels, Texas; sister, Virginia Mudge of Dallas, Texas; brother, Geof Mudge of Bryan, Texas. A Celebration of John's Life will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 3:00PM, at the Oakwood Baptist Church, 2154 Loop 337, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, Reverend Tim Vellom Officiating, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Tanner and Jackson's Scholarship Fund by visiting http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/john-mudge-memorial-fund/154478 donations will be placed for John's young boys.
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