Marc Carter Stokeld passed away on July 30, 2021, in his home in Goldonna, Louisiana. He was 51.

Visitation will be from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 8, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Covid protocols will be observed.

Marc was born on November 15, 1969, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Jack Herbert Stokeld and Elizabeth Ellen "Betty" Carter. He was a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School and Louisiana Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1994.

Marc began his career as a project engineer for Aker Kvaerner, where he did troubleshooting, repairing and maintenance of industrial boiler systems. Upon moving to North Carolina, he established Express Personnel Services, which specialized in recruiting and placing engineers.

A highly skilled machinist and woodworker, Marc formed and managed Stokeld's Custom Guns, producing hand-forged hunting knives of his own design and providing gunsmith services that included customizing and restoring shotguns and hunting rifles. He was especially fond of collecting and shooting English double guns; hunting grouse and woodcock with Chester, his English Setter; and chasing squirrels with his two feists. He pursued a variety of game and fowl, hunting on four continents and in six countries and 12 states, but always said he was most proud of the game he took behind his house.

Marc's love of the outdoors helped him choose where to live and how he chose to make a living.

Black bears and large-bodied whitetails attracted him to Minnesota's Iron Range, where he lived in the cities of Carlton, Cloquet, and Colton. He also became an avid skydiver during his time in Minnesota. He later moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina, a deeply wooded region of rolling hills bordering South Carolina. Upon returning to Louisiana, Marc lived in Bogalusa before settling in Goldonna, which is known for its access to mature stands of hardwood timber and blackwater.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Stokeld. He is survived by his father, Jack H. Stokeld, and his sister, Jill E. Stokeld, both of Baton Rouge, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family.

The family expresses heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and support provided by Marc's life-long friends and his network of gunsmithing, hunting, and sky-diving companions.

Memorial donations can be made to NAMI at nami.org , or to the charity or cause of the donor's choosing.