Gilbert "Mark" Peel

A graveside service for Gilbert Mark Peel will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, Louisiana. A reception for friends and family will be held after the service at Shane’s Seafood and BBQ, 9176 Mansfield Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Gilbert “Mark” Peel, 73, was born to Willfred and Mary “Cathy” Peel on October 24, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina. He passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at his home in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Mark grew up in and around Pollock, Louisiana, with his two brothers and four sisters, living the traditional southern Louisiana way, which included hunting, fishing, and enjoying delicious food.

In 1971, at the age of 20, Mark joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country until 1975.

He made a quick trip to Bossier City to visit his brother and sister-in-law, and it was then and there that he met and fell in love with his soul mate, Phyllis, and never left. They married on July 4, 1980, and spent 35 years sharing a family and building a life together until her unexpected passing in 2015.

He was a man of many skills and talents. He used them throughout his life and career, whether in helping others or simply for his own hobbies and entertainment. He was a skilled craftsman and expert flooring specialist who willingly shared his knowledge and expertise with many apprentices and friends who worked alongside him over the years. His guidance and mentorship helped them to grow and become successful tradesmen in their own businesses.

Mark was a man with a good heart and a great sense of humor. He loved his wife fiercely, his children dearly, and his family genuinely. His heart was filled with pride by the ones who called him Paw. He cared deeply for all his friends and considered himself blessed to have them. He was compassionate and generous, never hesitating to help anyone in need with all he had to offer.

He had a green thumb and a passion for his plants and gardens. His ingenious mind was always creating new projects for him to keep himself busy and productive. He would find random things and come up with unique ways to use them, concocting something impressive and unexpected. Among many of them, his houseboat, which he so proudly built. He absolutely loved being in nature; gardening, hunting, fishing, and camping were where he found peace. Spending time with his wife, family, and friends on the houseboat at the lake brought him immense joy and happiness. He was a great cook who hosted many cookouts and crawfish boils over the years, full of flavor and spice. Mark was a very generous, easy-going, fun-to-be-around man with a quick wit and infectious laugh. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Gilbert Mark Peel was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Mary E. Peel; wife, Phyllis Peel; stepson, Chad Addison; brother, Jeff Peel; and brother-in-law, Richard McRae. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Shawna Millen, and husband, Matt, Jody Addison, and wife, Michelle; grandchildren, Rhys and Elyn Millen, and Caleb, Austin, and Aaron Addison; brother, William “Billy” Peel and wife, Fran; sisters, Rebecca Thibeaux and husband, Greg, Casceil McRae, Shannon Harvey, and Kathleen Hirchak and husband, Donald; sister-in-law, Linda Peel, and a host of other relatives and loved ones near and far.