Mark Strother

Say not in grief that 'he is no more', but live in thankfulness that he was.

Mark Allen Strother, age 59, died suddenly in Ridgecrest, CA on May 6, 2022. A native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, he was born to Ira Gene Strother and Kathryn Nell Strother in 1962. He was a graduate of Woodlawn High School and Southeastern Louisiana University.

At a very young age, Mark began racing motorcycles and went on to race professionally until his early twenties. Having raced locally and across the United States, he made many lifetime friends along the way. Racing and motorcycles became his passion and in later years he enjoyed many journeys with his wife, son and friends who shared his love to ride and see all there was to see. He also enjoyed spending time at his camp on Belle River and a good competitive game of most anything. Life is meant to be lived and that he did.

In 1985, he married the love of his life, Dawn Elias Strother. His love for the family that he and Dawn built together was well known by all. Mark and Dawn had two children, Brittany Strother Woolf and Mitchel Strother. He absolutely adored his three grandchildren, Noah, Ella and Riggs who refer to him as P'Maw. He spent time with them almost daily. He gave them lots of his great hugs that everybody talks about, taught them many things and kept them laughing with his authentic jokes and humor that will live on in the memories of all who loved him.

His whole life revolved around his family who describe him as the most selfless and compassionate man they've ever known. He was their provider, protector, advisor and "fixer" of all things. Mark was a caretaker by nature and spent the better part of his life putting family and friends above all else. He was a kind and caring soul to all who knew him nd his death has been felt by many. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his devotion to family and friends, he worked diligently at Gold-N-Guns that he owned and operated successfully in Gonzales, LA for over 30 years. He had a following of longtime customers who became friends over the years and they describe him as always treating them with kindness and respect.

Mark Allen Strother leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Dawn Elias Strother; his daughter, Brittany Strother Woolf; his son, Mitchel Strother and three grandchildren Noah, Ella Claire and Riggs. He is survived by his father, Ira Gene Strother; his mother, Kathryn Nell Strother. He is also survived by his "brother" John H. Knox and his wife Denise, "sister" Ginger Denicola and her husband Daryl, Gerald and Donna Bello who loved him like a son and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Walter H. Ewing and Ella Louise Ewing, his paternal grandparents, Ira and Doris Strother and his most beloved dog, Sadie

Many heartfelt thanks to the pallbearers who will help lay Mark to rest; Mitchel Strother, John Knox, Jack Harless, Floyd Whitaker, Ray Salvato, Mark Via, Steve Newsom, Brett Zeigler, Scooter Stafford, Acy Newsom, Noah Woolf and Ella Claire. Special thanks and gratitude to Jeff Betz, who was the answer to our prayer.

Services are as follows: Visiting will take place at Resthaven Garden of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton rouge, LA 70816 on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 from 12pm until services at 2pm.