Mark Martin

A lifetime resident of Baton Rouge, Mark Steven Martin passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the age of 60, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He had a larger-than-life personality and, if you knew Mark, you cannot help but smile when you think of him. If you spent even a couple of minutes with him, he would have had you laughing and you would have heard all about his wife and boys, who were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved the outdoors and would head to his camp in North Louisiana every chance he had, especially if it meant time with his sons.

Born on December 12, 1961, Mark graduated from University High School. He served four years in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer Second Class, after proudly serving tours aboard the U.S. S. David R. Ray and on the island of Diego Garcia.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Louisiana State University and a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from Southern University.

Mark devoted his entire career of more than three decades serving those with disabilities, and was committed to helping them gain education, employment and the tools needed to reach their maximum potential. For the final several years of his career, he served as Director of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dyke Martin; and his grandparents, Helen and James Alton Rockhold and Curt and Armour Arnold.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 35 years, Melissa Soileau Martin; his sons, Mark Steven Martin, Jr. of Lafayette, Jacob Martin of Houma, and Gregory Martin of Baton Rouge; his mother, Sally Ann Martin of Baton Rouge; his siblings, David Martin of Baton Rouge, Jeff Martin (wife Katie) of Lafayette, Shalane Crick (husband Chris) of Baton Rouge, Cindy Featherston (husband Carter) of Covington, Scott Martin (wife Karen) of Buda, Texas, Bryan Martin (wife Leslie) of Covington; 22 nephews and nieces, and four great-nephews and great-nieces.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29 from 9 a.m. until noon at Rabenhorst Funeral Home (825 Government Street, Baton Rouge). A funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge). A private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 30 at the Summerfield Cemetery in Summerfield, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Martin, David Martin, Chris Crick, Danny Heitman, Thomas Soileau, Steve Debruhl and Mark Peltier.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all the nurses, doctors and the entire medical team at the Baton Rouge General ICU for their loving care of Mark.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s name may be made to the American Lung Association.