David Edward Mauk, founder and owner of Jones Road Tree Service in Houston, Texas, died May 9, 2026. He was 52.

A fourth-generation Houstonian, Mauk was born Feb. 20, 1974, in Houston to Callie and Bob Mauk. He grew up in the Houston area and attended Cypress Creek High School. After graduation, he worked as a dog trainer before attending the University of Houston, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.

While in college, Mauk took a part-time position with EF Tree Service, where he discovered a passion for trees and the tree care industry. That early experience grew into a career that combined his interest in business, his commitment to learning and his respect for tree care and preservation.

In 2007, Mauk founded Jones Road Tree Service, building the company from the ground up. An entrepreneur from a family of Houston business owners, he brought to his work the values of perseverance, integrity and hard work. Under his leadership, Jones Road Tree Service grew into a respected company known for professionalism, employee pride and service to clients in the Houston area.

Mauk was an ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, a TCIA Tree Care Specialist, a TCIA Qualified Tree Crew Leader and a licensed Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator. He also was a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). He valued education, regularly attended industry conferences and trade shows and was known for mentoring his crews and building lasting friendships throughout the industry.

Outside of work, Mauk enjoyed fishing, traveling, spending time outdoors and making memories with his family. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, friend, business owner and mentor whose impact extended across his family, company, community and the tree care industry.