What we know about the five family members slain by an escaped murderer in Texas

On HoustonChronicle.com: Tomball grieves loss of ‘shining stars’ after slaying of family at Centerville ranch

“This day is about Mark. It’s about Waylon, Carson, Hudson and Bryson. That’s who this day is about. They’re the ones we want the pictures of. They’re the ones we want the public to remember, not the perpetrator,” Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers said Friday.

Mark Collins, 66

Family members said Mark adored his wife, children and grandchildren and used trips to the ranch in Centerville to pass on his love of hunting and fishing.

“They are a family of the greatest character, the deepest faith, and unrelenting kindness and love,” the family’s pastor Steve Bezner at Houston Northwest Church since 2013.

Family members posted photos of Mark Collins hugging and carrying his grandkids in the sun and posing with them for photos in the snow.

“Pop we are going to miss you so much ... The pain it takes to write this is unbelievable," wrote Susie Collins, the daughter-in=law of Lisa, Mark's wife. She also posted photos of a wood cross, flowers and balloons posted at the front of what appears to be Mark Collin's ranch on Facebook.

Waylon Collins, 18

Waylon, the oldest of three brothers, had just graduated from Tomball High School, where he played varsity baseball. He also raised animals for Tomball Future Farmers of America. In his spare time, he served as an umpire for the local little league.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragedy within the Tomball community. We mourn the loss of these lives and pray for their family and all who knew them,” said a statement released by Tomball Little League. “Our baseball community is heartbroken to lose a colleague and friend."

Waylon was headed to Texas A&M University, according to the website for his pressure washing business, established to help him raise money for college.

“Waylon was always smiling, laughing,” said Keegan Demmer, 16, who played baseball with Waylon and football with Carson. “(Waylon) had a distinct laugh that you could point out from 100 people in a room.”

Carson Collins, 16

Carson played football at Tomball High School. Friends recalled him as a quiet, sweet kid.

“Waylon was so sweet and so energetic all the time. Loved his friends, loved being out,” said Brooke Parker, 16, who knew both Waylon and Carson. "Carson was just like (Waylon). Always wanted to be around people and try to make everyone laugh all the time.”

Hudson Collins, 11

Hudson was the youngest son of Misti and Chris Collins. He had been baptized in the family swimming pool just three days earlier, by his maternal grandfather. He was a skilled golfer, who attended the High Meadow Ranch Golf Academy.

“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our junior golfers and 4 of his family members. Hudson Collins will be greatly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Collins family and our entire community during this tragic time,” the academy wrote in a Facebook post.

Friends called him a “fabulous competitor and friend to everyone he played with.”

Bryson Collins, 11

Bryson, the cousin of the three brothers, is the son of Dustin and Shelta Collins. He shared his family’s love of baseball, playing on a select team and cheering on the Astros. His dad and grandfather took him hunting often. He attended Northpointe Intermediate School.

“Yesterday we lost a great kid,” his baseball coach, Justin Drabek, wrote on Instagram. “A kid with the biggest heart and a kid that loved the game of baseball. A kid that loved his parents and family. A kid that loved his teammates and coaches. A kid that not gave up and gave me 100% every time on the field. I will miss you on and off the field. I will miss how you pushed your teammates to be their best. You were taken from us way to soon and you will never be forgotten.”