Mark Ashton Bogan, the son of Gladys “Potsy” Verdun Bogan and Theodore “Dutch” Bogan, was born on April 20, 1944. He passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, just 18 days shy of his 77th birthday. He fought a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer. Mark was a native of Verdunville, LA and lived there for many decades before becoming a resident of Geismar, LA.
An Air Force Veteran, Mark served his country during the Vietnam War. Reluctant to share the atrocities he witnessed during his days in Vietnam, he suffered silently with PTSD. His service, as well as his struggles, became the catalyst for his work as an advocate for Veterans. He could be found at parish council meetings, speaking up for Veterans and taking a stand against those things that would adversely affect them. He worked tirelessly for years and with the help of various government agencies was instrumental in Franklin establishing a VA Clinic to assist its local Veterans. In 2015, the St. Mary Parish Council recognized Mark for his outstanding work in the community.
In addition to the Veterans, Mark saw the need to support the senior citizens of the community. He organized an annual Senior Citizens Holiday Extravaganza, where the senior citizens were treated to a holiday feast, musical entertainment and prizes. This event was held for many years, until his failing health made him unable to continue.
In his early years, Mark was a member of the Verdunville Braves baseball team. He was quite the athlete and enjoyed the camaraderie of playing alongside his brothers and friends. Mark was an avid gardener and loved sharing his bountiful harvests. He grew some of the best vegetables and the sweetest citrus fruits. His love for the land was passed from his father and shared by his brothers. He had a green thumb and could grow just about anything. Mark was also a great cook, who loved to entertain and spend time with his family and friends.
Many of his work years were spent as a welder at McDermott Fabricators in Amelia. After retirement, he enjoyed greeting customers at Walmart SuperCenter in Bayou Vista.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Uceta DeRouen Bogan, who provided excellent care, love and support; children, Terence and Marty Bogan, Christian Bogan-Senigal (James), Ashton and Blake Bogan, Blair Bogan Milton (Isaac), Markquelyn Vital-Ursin (Wil), and Blake Vital; stepson, Kaleb DeRouen; grandchildren, Maiya Ka’Trell, Addyson Olivia, Ahrie Simone, Blaise Ashton, Jorrie Claudette, Mila Jane, Brenn Logan and Blair Loryn; great grandchildren, Aubrey Michelle and Aurielle A’Lise; sisters, Carmencita, Ruth and Shiri Bogan; sisters-in-law, Emma Harding, Kathy DeRouen, Dinetta DeRouen, Brenda Cox (Randy), and Danna Bogan; brother-in-law, Arthur DeRouen III, father-in-law, Lester Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Theodore Bogan; brothers, Ray, McDonald, Bert, Kendall, Theo, Gene and Wayne Bogan; sisters, Greta Bogan, Aline Paul and Laqueta Raffray; and grandson, Lance Corporal Marques Bogan.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Verdunville on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 9:00AM until the time of service at 11:00AM. All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC/local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc.