He leaves behind his mother, Patricia Cabral; his sister, Melody Russell; his nephew, Mitchell Talley; his niece, Michaela Russell Jenkins; and many nephews, Troy, Brock, Hunter, and Myles, all of St. Francisville, and Silas and Judah Jenkins of North Carolina. A special family member, his cousin Marshall Russell, was indispensable in offering guidance and support.
After doing private security work, Mark was employed by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. He served his country during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Shenandoah. Upon discharge, he returned to college at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. After graduating from NSU, he was employed by the university until his retirement.
Mark loved his family deeply. He had an infectious sense of humor, loved to read, and especially enjoyed watching old movies.
He was preceded in death by his father, O. Romaine Russell; his stepfather, Gene Cabral; and his nephew, Zachary Talley.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA.