Mark A LaBorde

Three things stood out to anyone who met Mark LaBorde for the first time: his radiant, genuine smile; his sparkling, bright blue eyes; and his distinctive, mischievous laugh. And for the thousands who had the privilege to hear him play in bands across the southeast United States, his musical talent was undeniable and unforgettable. Mark was born March 26, 1962, in Sacramento, CA. The son of a career Air Force man, he and his family lived in Louisiana and Ohio before he graduated from Ft Walton Beach High School in Florida in 1980. He began his focus on music soon after, attending a workshop back in Ohio to learn music production. He soon moved to Nashville to master his craft, and worked as a session recording artist and traveling band member with many well-known artists, including blues great B. B. King. Mark was a regular member of the house band for Charlie Daniels’ annual benefit golf tournament and concert in Tampa, FL In 1993, Mark found a love greater than music. He and his longtime friend, Kit, were vacationing in Key West when Kit snapped a pic of Mark on the beach. In the background of the photo was a lovely, blonde young lady. Later that day, Mark met that lovely young lady, Bonnie Williams, and the two were an inseparable pair from then on. Their vacation over, Mark returned to Nashville and Bonnie soon joined him, moving from her home in Massachusetts. The two returned to Key West the following year, where family and friends witnessed their vows to one another on the beach. Bonnie wore a beautiful white gown; bare footed, Mark wore a tuxedo shirt, bow tie, and shorts. Over the next few years, Mark & Bonnie’s marriage was blessed with the birth of their two precious children, Daniel Morgan LaBorde and Melissa Beth LaBorde. In 2002, the family moved to and settled in Gulf Shores, AL. There Mark became a well-known and much beloved legend in the local and regional music scene, playing weekly at Papa Rocco’s and the Flora-Bama for over 20 years. Mark shared his remarkable talent on the bass, playing locally and traveling with acts such as Rusty McHugh, Smokey Otis, Johnny Barbato & the Lucky Doggs, the Steve & Joe Big Show, and Big Earl & the Sexual Biscuits. Mark was affectionately known as “The Self-Rising Biscuit.” Mark Adrian LaBorde peacefully passed from this life in his home in his beloved Gulf Shores on August 5, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. Although a lengthy illness had taken much of his strength, Mark was able to play a final set at the Flora-Bama just three days earlier, rocking the house for his many fans blessed to be there to witness that famous smile and amazing talent, and, of course, he never missed a beat on that one-of-a-kind bass made by his dad. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of over 30 years, Bonnie, of Gulf Shores; daughter Melissa of Pensacola, FL; son Daniel & fiancé Alix Ryan of Orange Beach, AL ; his mom, Sue Marshall LaBorde, of Ft Walton Beach, FL; sister, Karen Jeter and husband Mark of Tallahassee, FL; brother, Scott LaBorde and wife Sara of Ft Walton; aunts, Audrey Hoover of Swampers, LA, and Pearl Marshall of Saltillo, MS; and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews, and thousands of fans, bandmates, and dear friends who appreciated his talent and kindness. Mark was preceded in death by his father, David LaBorde of Ft Walton Beach; grandparents Julian & Lowery “Sweet” LaBorde of Swampers, LA and Carey & Lynn Marshall of Crowville, LA. A Celebration of Life service honoring Mark will be held on Sunday, August 17th, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, at his beloved Flora-Bama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider a donation be made in Mark’s memory to the Gulf Coast Musicians Medical Fund at gcmmf.org

Mark A LaBorde

August 5, 2025

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Mark A LaBorde

August 5, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification