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Mark Steven Gillen
1/27/1987 - 6/1/2026
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Obituary For Mark Steven Gillen
On June 1, 2026, Mark Steven Gillen went to be with his Lord and Savior. Born in San Antonio, TX on January 27, 1987. The family moved to South Dakota in 1992. He graduated from Douglas High School in 2005 and entered the US Army with the Delayed Entry Program. During his time in the Army, he served two tours in Iraq. In March 2010, his dad, Michael J. Gillen, had the honor of swearing him into the Army National Guard in Rapid City, SD. Later he joined the National Guard unit in Redmond, OR and they were activated and sent to Afghanistan.
On March 1, 2014, he married Charia Brott. Their daughter, Ilsa, was born on Nov. 17, 2014, during his Afghanistan deployment. In July 2016, after being promoted to Sargant, he was honorably medically discharged from the Army.
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Michael J. Gillen, his paternal grandparents, Patricia and Joseph Gillen, his maternal grandfather, Charles Hines, and brother-in-law, Monty Vaughn.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Charia, daughter, Isla, mother, Karla, brother, Charles (Izzy), sisters, DJ (Rick) Carney, Anna (David) Carr, and Sheryl (Kent) Vaughn Wellman; nephews, Liam Carney, Patrick Carr, Boden and Atlas Gillen, and Kohan Vaughn Wellman; nieces, Ireland Carney, Madison, Caroline and Riley Carr, Harper and Ava Vaughn; grandmother, Arlene L. Hines, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Tributes
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William Fowler sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Mark Steven Gillen - 06/24/2026
Heartfelt condolences to Mark's family in South Dakota for their loss. All of his SPILL FAMILY aunts and uncles in Texas share in that loss and remember him fondly for his openness and joy for life!
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06/27/2026
Karla, Charlie, Sheryl and Isla. My heart is with you during this time of sorrow. I remember the day Marky was born. I was the first relative besides his mother and father to welcome him into this world along with his father's navy buddy Steve Reed. In 1992 when Marky and his family moved to South Dakota I said to myself that one day I would see him again and in 2006 I did when he was stationed at Fort Hood. Now in 2026 he leaves again and once more I say to myself I will see him again. Rest in peace nephew. Love Uncle Kris
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06/26/2026
I'm very proud of My Cousin for his military service. I'm also very thankful for it since it brought him to Texas where I could spend time with him. Time during which there was lots of trash talk, beating each other up & lots of laughs. Aunt Karla & Cousins, you are in My Prayers. Thank you for the memories, Marky, I Love You, Cousin!! May You rest in Peace. Love, Tiff
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06/25/2026
Karla sending prayers for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Amy Kuhl Spears
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06/20/2026
Karla we are so sad to hear of the loss of your son, Mark. I know you were so close. A mother should never have to beat the loss of a child. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve and Linda Varvel
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06/15/2026
Mark Gillen was assigned to my squad during A Troop, 4-9 Cavalry's 2006-2008 deployment to Iraq. He was a spark plug of pure, unbridled energy and confidence which was in equal parts obnoxious as it was endearing. Never have I had a Soldier so motivated and loyal. He never knew how much he did to keep my cynical and jaded veteran mentality from going too dark. Save us a seat at Fiddler;s Green, Mark!
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