Mark Wayne Bodin

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for Mark Wayne Bodin, 80, who passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Lafayette.

Rev. Keith Landry will officiate.

Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church Cemetery in Coteau.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Thursday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

A rosary, led by the Men’s Rosary Group, will be prayed at 11:00 am on Thursday.

A lifelong resident of New Iberia, Mark Wayne Bodin was born on December 5, 1945, to the late Dallas E. Bodin, Sr. and Nola Armentor Bodin, and was a 1963 graduate of New Iberia High School.

Mark’s early life was marked by the rhythms of rural living, a time when he could be found rising before dawn to milk the family cows. He treasured those quiet mornings on the farm, the coolness of concrete beneath his feet as he danced in his worn rubber boots, a joyful ritual accompanied by music he believed encouraged the cows to produce more milk. This simple, heartfelt connection with the land and animals was a glimpse into the kindness and dedication that would define his character throughout his life.

Mark answered the call of duty by enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1964. His path was forever altered by a service-related injury in December 1965, which left him a quadriplegic. Yet, this challenge did not dampen his spirit—instead, it forged his legendary resilience. Known affectionately to those around him as the "Man in the Van," Mark embraced life from his wheelchair with the help of his beloved handicapped van, visiting family, friends, and neighbors with warmth and a familiar honking horn that brought smiles wherever he went. Mark’s routine included morning visits to his mother until the day of her passing, and his heartfelt greetings to the local cane farmers, neighbors, and friends.

Mark’s fortitude and humor made him an inspiration and role model. His courage was woven with kindness, and his battles were fought with a smile—even as he confronted numerous hardships. His passion for race cars and Indian motorcycles, shared through teaching his best friend Billy Ray Johnson the art of racing, revealed a zest for life and a desire to give joy to others that never dimmed.

At the center of Mark’s world was his family. His love for his wife, Connie, was deep and unwavering. Together they raised their daughter Elizabeth, who in turn brought joy as the mother of their granddaughter, Gracie. The bond they shared was a source of strength and purpose.

Mr. Bodin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Connie Comeaux Bodin; daughter, Elizabeth Bodin; granddaughter, Gracie; siblings, Terry Bodin (Jackie Boutte), Susan Gotcher (Thomas “T.C.”), Karen Bodin, Sandi Cobb (Bobby), Judy Thibodeaux, and Denise Papillion (Jacob); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dallas “Buddy” Etienne Bodin, Jr.; in-laws, Lonest and Olivia Comeaux; and nephews, Leon Thibodeaux and Ramsey Delahoussaye.

Pallbearers will be Glen Comeaux, Wayne Comeaux, Chuck Romero, Dr. Gilbert Pellerin, Barkley Bodin, and Jeremy Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers are Terry Bodin, Terry Paul Bodin, Mitchell Pellerin, David Delahoussaye, Myles White, Seth Russo, Gentry Russo, Foster Patout, Eric Metz, Jared Metz, Michael Comeaux, Jake Comeaux, T.C. Gotcher, Jake Papillion, Benny Menard, Steve Mannina, Caleb Romero and Ethan Romero.

Mark will be remembered as a beacon of courage and love, a man whose spirit shone brightly even in the face of unimaginable challenges. The light he brought into the world will continue to shine, inspiring us all to meet life with courage, kindness, and a smile. May he rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).