Mark Eugene Bourland

Mark Eugene Bourland died from metastatic melanoma at his home in Hernando, Mississippi in the evening on Monday, October 27, 2025. Mark was the firstborn son of Walter Eugene Bourland & Jacqueline Rae Wilson and arrived on September 10, 1954 in his father’s hometown of Dallas, Texas. The family was later joined by 3 younger siblings and moved homes several times, including Germany, as part of Mark’s military childhood.

After high school and his own service in the US Air Force, Mark settled into a career serving the California State Prison System beginning in 1980. He worked his way through several positions and departments always adding excellence to the process and never giving less than his very best. He most enjoyed his time as a Correctional Counselor and prided himself on his commitment to fairness and dignity. Mark eventually retired in 2006 as Deputy Assistant Warden at Calipatria State Prison in Southern California.

Mark sought out a new adventure when he decided to relocate to Hernando, Mississippi to spend his retirement years. He made a whole army of friends he is survived by: the breakfast crew of Myron, David and James; the dinner crew of Jim, Kim and Bobby; the Sunday morning crew of John, Wendy, Patrick, JudyB, Robbie, Chad, Kyle, Travis, David, Allie, Cruz, and Elsy (among many others) at New Discovery Christian Church; the Sidelines crew of Jackie, Donald, Clint, Toya, Sammie, Robert and Tiffany; the neighborhood crew of Mike, Liz and Deb; the VFW crew of Michelle, David, Marsha, and Ed and all the other names of all the many, many people whose life Mark touched with his steady friendship and loyal support.

Mark was a natural leader and volunteered his time and energy to many causes and organizations over the years. One of these groups would leave a lasting impression on Mark, and everyone close to him. Hosting foreign exchange students - Mark hosted 17 different teenage boys from all over the world. He was able to share his many life lessons and sense of adventure while encouraging academic and athletic achievements and exploring America’s treasures. He remained close to and is survived by his German sons and their families: Christian Kuhnast, Lukas Lohwasser, Joe Lemme, and Magnus Sievert.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brother David. In addition to his friends and sons, he is survived by his sister, Jean Stivers and brother Joseph Bourland, both of Idaho.

Instead of a service, a celebration of life will be held at the Hernando VFW on Sunday November 9th at 4PM at 4263 Hwy 51 S, Hernando, MS