Lt. Col. Mark Allen (Ret.)

Geoffrey Mark Allen, age 52, of Benton, Louisiana, departed this life on Monday, September 1, 2025, surrounded by family and dear friends. Born on April 17, 1973, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mark was a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, whose spirit and love for the Lord will forever be remembered.

Survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Karen Meyer Allen; his beloved children, Andrew (Drew) Walker Allen and Madelyn (Maddie) Brooks Allen; parents, James Michael Allen and Camille Graves Allen; brothers, James Spencer Allen and Michael Patterson Allen (Melissa); special godmother, Diane “Fritzy” Slack (Danny); sister-in-law, Christi Meyer Ganey (Rick); brother-in-law, Jonathan Clay Meyer (Kelly); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Clyde Meyer; maternal grandparents, Avery II and Betty Graves, and paternal grandparents, Sam and Mary Allen.

Mark grew up in Springhill, Louisiana, graduating from Springhill High School in 1991. He attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS), where he played baseball and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, later completing a master’s degree in industrial-organizational Psychology in 2010. He met Karen while attending LSU- Shreveport, and they married on April 30, 1994.

Mark’s commitment to service began in 1991 with the National Guard, where he served for over 28 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 2003-2004, as the company commander, he deployed to Iraq with the 1083rd Transportation Company. His unit successfully transported heavy-duty military vehicles in combat zones without losing a single soldier.

Alongside his military service, Mark worked 25 years as a Shreveport firefighter, joining the department in 2000 and retiring as Fire Captain on June 1, 2025. He served on Rescue 9, the Honor Guard, and was a training officer. For his exemplary service, he received numerous awards, including the Shreveport Fire Department Training Officer of the Year and multiple commendations for heroism.

In 2010, Mark founded Industrial Safety Solutions, LLC, a successful business where he employed some of the most highly skilled staff in the industry. His vision was rooted in faith, which was reflected in his business’s logo that displayed one of his favorite verses, Ephesians 2:8.

Mark received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Bronze Star Medal, several Army Commendation Medals, and, in 2024, he was honored with the KSLA Lifetime Achievement Award for his selfless service. In 2025, Mark was honored with being recognized as a 2025 Community Hero by the Bossier City Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to improving lives in his community.

A man of great integrity and humility, Mark often downplayed his achievements, revealing his genuine character. He prioritized his relationship with God and devotedly loved his wife and children. He always treated Karen with utmost respect. Their bond extended to his children; he instilled in them the importance of finding value in God rather than in the things of this world.

Even though his life was cut short, Mark and Karen shared a very full life together, traveling extensively, including many mission trips and, most recently, very memorable trips to Greece and Israel, where he was baptized in the Jordan River.

Saved at the age of 29, Mark dedicated the rest of his life to living out his faith, striving to share the gospel as a testament to his journey. He loved outdoor activities with his family, enjoyed watching Saturday night LSU football, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He served as the Chaplain of the Shreveport Chapter of Brothers Keeper Motor Club.

Mark's tragic loss leaves an irreplaceable void, but his legacy of love, faith, and commitment to others will endure. As a firm believer, he would remind us all: “God is good…Regardless!”

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Cypress Baptist Church, with a funeral service on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, officiated by Pastor John Fream at 11:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier. Pallbearers include Clay Meyer, Michael Echols, Easton Echols, Mike Mackey, Chris Burden, Brent Barber, and Will Millsaps, with honorary pallbearers being Jay Sessions, Rob Posey, and members of the Shreveport Fire Department.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Chief Clarence Reese, the Shreveport Fire Department, M.D. Anderson, LSU Ochsner’s, Dr. Bharat Guthikonda, Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, and the exceptional care team at hospice, especially nurse Belinda Montgomery; they also would like to extend a very special appreciation to the unwavering support of Mark’s Sunday school class and the entire Cypress Baptist Church family. The outpouring of love that this community has shown the Allen Family during this time has been nothing short of amazing, and they couldn’t be more grateful.