Marc Alan Gist

Marc Alan Gist of Austin, Texas passed away in his home January 7, 2026. Marc was born February 9, 1958 in Midland, TX to Monty and Shirley Gist. He graduated from Lee High School 1976, then from the University of Texas in 1981 with a BS in Radio-Television-Film.

Following graduation, Marc worked for the astronomy department at the University of Texas. He then moved to Oakland, California, where he worked as a freelance graphic designer for 20 years in the San Francisco area. He traveled to Europe several times with friends and often spoke fondly of those trips. In his forties, Marc returned to Texas, settled in Austin, and enjoyed being closer to childhood friends, as well as within driving distance of his parents and older brother, Rhett, in Midland.

Marc had a youthful sense of humor, a love of conversation, and a unique take on just about everything in life. He had a special appreciation for mischievous cats, and his nieces and nephews still laugh at memories of his particularly impish black cat, Goblin, who traveled to Midland with Marc for the holidays. He loved “Gobby” for many years.

Marc was known as a musician, a creative, and an innovator. He started playing guitar in fourth grade, put together a band of good friends in high school, and continued to play as part of the Love Me Avenue band through college. Marc later recorded a 45 with the Secret Science band, followed by an LP with the same band in 1981 titled Pound Out. Marc continued to experiment with audio recording and emerging music video techniques on his own time throughout his life.

In addition to his creative work and musical endeavors, Marc was devoted to the practice of hot yoga and volunteered regularly with his local studio. He also traveled internationally with the yoga studio, including meaningful trips to Cape Town, South Africa and to Bali. He shared these experiences with lifelong friends.

As his parents, Monty and Shirley, have aged, Marc remained devoted to their care, traveling from Austin and staying with them frequently.

Marc is survived by his brother, Rhett Gist and wife Janice of Midland and his mother, Shirley Gist of Midland; his nephews and nieces, Cutler Gist and wife Jacque of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kelson Gist and wife Lauren of Austin, Texas, Morgan Gist MacDonald and husband Chad of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Darcy Gist Zornes and husband Erik of Sherwood, Oregon; and eight great nephews and nieces, Cutler’s children, Thatcher and Mabel, Kelson’s children, Alyssa and Riley, and Morgan’s children, Cora, Ewan, Meredith, and Zelda.

Marc is preceded in death by his father, Monty Joe Gist, and his great-nephew, Mercer Gist.

Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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