Mark A. Hidalgo, 53, of Beaumont passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He was born in Beaumont on July 28, 1956, to Nancy Dragotta Hidalgo and Robert P. Hidalgo. Mark was a firefighter and safety inspector for ExxonMobil. He was president of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 13-243. Mark was an Aikido master and 7th degree black belt instructor. He received numerous awards, related to his work in safety and labor relations. Mark traveled around the country on behalf of the local refinery and union, to provide consultation on safety and union issues. Mark was known for his candor, straight-talk, fairness, and honorable spirit. He fought diabetes and cancer with a positive attitude and dignity. Mark is now in heaven without any pain and suffering in the arms of the Lord.

Mark is survived by his wife, Kay Hidalgo; daughter, Tiffany Ashcraft and her husband Keith of Austin; son, Justin Hidalgo and his fiancé Megan Bienvenu of Beaumont; grandson, Owen Ashcraft; brothers, Gary Hidalgo and his wife Pam of Pinewood and Philip Hidalgo and his wife Josie of China; sisters, Susan Davis and her husband Charlie of San Augstine, Elizabeth Williams and her husband Billy of Beaumont, and Becky Holcomb and her husband Terry of Silsbee; mother-in-law, Barbara Linder; seventeen nieces and nephews; twenty-six great nieces and nephews; and family friend, Rene “Pet” Petkovsek.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nancy Hidalgo of Beaumont.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, in Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be Monday, May 31, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. followed by a Christian Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Broussard's.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5144, Beaumont, Texas 77726; American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Virginia 22038 or to United Way, P.O. Box 1430, Beaumont, Texas 77704.