Mark Alan Darnell - Benton, LA Mark Alan Darnell, 65, of Benton, LA, a former Akin resident, died at 10:58 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Bossier City, LA. Mr. Darnell was born on April 21, 1946 in Akin, IL, the son of Carl F. "Pat" Darnell and Dana (Marquis) Darnell. Mark was a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of Benton High School. He loved horses and worked in the thoroughbred horse industry for many years in a variety of capacities. Surviving relatives include four brothers, Donald Darnell, Akin, IL, Ronald Darnell, Benton, IL, Jimmy Darnell, Benton, IL, Phil Darnell, Macedonia, IL, one sister, Edna Williams, Elgin, IL, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mark was preceded in death by his loving companion, Louise Fricks, but is survived her daughter, Tracy (John) Thadford, Baton, LA, and his "grandchildren", Kami and Ashlyn Lodwig. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Lois Mae Andriano, and three brothers, Carl Dean Darnell, Bill Darnell, and Jesse Darnell. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Rev. Derrick Cairel officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL with military rites performed by the Benton American Legion and V.F.W. Memorial contributions may be made to the Backside Benevolence Fund, Louisiana Downs, P.O. Box 5584, Bossier City, LA 71171-5584. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.