Kenneth A. Marler

Dateline- Laurens, SC
Kenneth Aaron Marler

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all he met, Kenneth A. Marler, 68, passed away at his home Friday evening, July 19, 2013, following complications from surgery. He was born in Laurens, SC, on February 5, 1945, to Maude Mae Wilson Marler and Julian Henry Marler (both now deceased).
He leaves behind his wife of nearly 47 years, Glenda Gentry Marler; his daughter Gayle Marler Arries, her husband, Chris, and their children Brandi Kate (14), Tacoma Christopher (11), Cassadi Abigail (9), Xavier Edward (8), and Lillian “Lilli” Faith (4); and his son, Kenneth Gregory “Greg” Marler, his wife Maria, and their children, Hannah Rose (14) and Alyssa Elaine (10). He was one of 11 children and is survived by sisters, Edith Bryson, Peggy Howell, Patricia Weathers, Nell Pulley (husband, Jerry), Shirley Allen (husband, David); sisters-in-law, Martha Marler and Bobbie Marler; brother-in-law, John Gentry (wife, Sara); and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by a sister Sybil McCuen, and brothers, Bill Marler, Bobby Marler, Ray Marler and Curtis Marler.
He retired from a long career with General Electric and also worked at 3M, Hovis Precision Products and Laurens Glass Plant. During his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, rebuilding classic cars and most of all being a “Papaw” to his seven grandchildren.
He has been a member of Bellview Baptist Church throughout his life and was honored to serve God and God’s people there. He was a Deacon of the church and had a special love for fellow deacons, past and present. He sang in the church choir, was part of the CARE visitation team, served on the building and grounds committee, enjoyed working with the youth and children, and worked on a local mission team that provided repairs and handicap ramps for those in need.
A celebration of his life will begin with visitation at Gray Funeral Home in Laurens, SC, on Sunday, July 21, from 5:30-8:30 pm. The funeral service will be Monday, July 22, at 10 am at Bellview Baptist Church, and will be officiated by Rev. Adam Powers and Rev. J.B. “Jot” Abercrombie. Pallbearers will be Russell Corley; Lawrence Nelson, Jr.; Larry Owen; Charlie Redd; Darren Rice; David Rice; and Paul Tyson. His Sunday school class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.grayfuneralhome.com .
Memorials can be made to the Building Fund of Bellview Baptist Church or to the March of Dimes.
Gray Funeral Home of Laurens