Mark Allen Soileau

Mark was born on October 6, 1958, in Kinder, Louisiana, to the late Allen Soileau and Joyce Landry Soileau.

Mark served in the United States Air Force, a part of his life he rarely talked about. He later began his law enforcement career with the Gretna Police Department and spent the majority of his career with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Mark worked hard his entire life and believed in duty, family, and doing what needed to be done. He showed love by working, showing up, fixing what was broken, and using his hands to help. Skilled in electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, and whatever else the moment required, Mark could build, repair, wire, troubleshoot, and make things work. That was one of the ways he took care of people.

Mark was generous, dependable, and loyal to the people he loved. To him, family meant responsibility, not just words. That same hands-on nature carried into the things he enjoyed: collecting and building firearms, hunting, and studying military history.

In his later years, Mark became Pops to his granddaughters, Stella and Cecilia. They met him for beignets at Café du Monde, found him along parade routes when he was working, and waited for the special throws he would save for them. When he came to the house in uniform, Stella and Cecilia were fascinated by the details, from his badge and pins to his patches and radio. He also kept a Sunday evening FaceTime tradition with them, calling to hear about school, their week, and whatever was going on in their world. Those Sunday calls and small traditions became part of how Stella and Cecilia knew and loved their Pops.

As his only son, Justin loved and respected his father deeply. Mark’s passing leaves a hole in the lives of those who loved him, especially in the heart of the son who will carry his example forward.

Mark is survived by his wife, Gail Ann Gabriel; his son, Justin R. Soileau, and Justin’s wife, Sarah; his granddaughters, Stella and Cecilia; his brother, Charles Soileau; his sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Lege; and extended family, friends, and former colleagues who loved and respected him. He is also lovingly remembered by Gail’s daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Michael Reine, and their children, Bennett and Harrison, who spent much time with Mark and cared for him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Soileau and Joyce Landry Soileau; and by his brothers, Albert James “AJ” Mallet and John Walter Soileau.

Visitation will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1643 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005, on July 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Interment with military honors will take place at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr, Slidell, LA 70460, on July 13, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mark’s memory may consider a donation to the American Stroke Association or the National Fraternal Order of Police Foundation.

Mark will be remembered for his service, loyalty, generosity, and the way he cared for the people he loved.