Carl Wayne Marion

Carl Wayne Marion, 83, of Athens, passed away at Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton, Illinois on February 3rd, 2025.

 He was born in Springfield, IL on June 14th, 1941, the son of Edgar and Nellie Nottingham Marion.

 Carl is survived by daughters, Cindy Holman and Janet Traitor as well as grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and 14 older siblings. His brother Calrence was killed in 1945 while serving in World War II and is buried in Hawaii.

 Carl married the love of his life, Junia Mae Kent, on November 5th, 1983. They were married and constant companions for twenty-eight years until her death on January 23rd, 2011.

 He moved from Springfield to Athens in 1950 when he was nine years old. He graduated from Athens High School in 1959.

 Carl was baptized at Athens Christian Church in October 1953, along with two of his sisters, by Paster Roland Florence. He was faithful throughout his life to the commitment he made to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at his baptism. Carl was known as a man of Christian faith and character throughout his life serving in different capacities at churches where he worshipped. One of Carl’s passions was to listen to and perform Gospel music. He has sung in church worship services and at Gospel music gatherings over the years.

 He leaves behind many special friends. Carl was known for his caring spirit and his generosity, often taking friends out for Sunday lunch. He has an infectious sense of humor. Carl was often laughing, joking and making new friends. In his senior high school yearbook, the description under his photo was, “To know him, is to love him!” which his friends can attest to.

 Carl enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961 and proudly served his country for four years on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lake Champlain CVS 39. He was the lead helmsman with 24 sailors under his supervision. At the time of his discharge on June 30th, 1965, he had risen to the rank of third-class Quartermaster. He was honored as Sailor of the Month while serving on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain.

 He retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company after 30 years of service as a telephone installer and repairman. After his retirement, he and Junia started the Marion Water Hauling business. The business started out with a small tank in the back of his pick-up truck and by the time of his retirement, after 22 years, it had become a full-time job. Carl and Junia were known for their prompt and reliable service to the needs of their water customers. Through their water hauling business they made many friends and even hosted customer appreciation parties.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to services from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM also at Mott & Henning Funeral Home.

 Pastor Robert Twist is officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Buffalo Christian Church.

 Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens is assisting the Marion family.