Kenneth Paul Marlnee

Memorial Services for Kenneth Paul Marlnee, 71, of Broken Arrow, were held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Heritage Bible Church in Tulsa, OK. Pastor Randy Crook officiated and burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Honorary casket bearers were David Marlnee, Mike Boyd, Doyal Aary, Howell Marlnee, Pat Boyd, Jon York, Billy Raiburn, Bill Boyd, Harrison Sanger, James Ackaret, and Raymond Rogers. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Kenneth was born December 2, 1943 in Muskogee, OK to Alford Great, Sr. and Alice Mae (Frazier) Marlnee. He passed away December 18, 2014 in Tulsa, OK.

Kenneth was a supervisor at Ford Glass. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era (1965-1971). Along with many other medals, Ken also received the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism on November 24, 1966 in Vietnam. He was later proud to represent Ford at the dedication of the Vietnam Wall.

Ken enjoyed fishing, boating and cars. He was a car enthusiast all of his life. Among many others, he worked on a sports car to give to his son, David when he returned from the Gulf War. Ken gave his corvette Pace car to his daughter, Marieca so that she could enjoy it and show it when she was battling cancer. When his friend Tommy passed away, he took over and completed the job of refurbishing his VW. Ken later sold it and rejoiced with the new owner when it took 2nd place in a local car show.

Ken loved to travel; usually to visit family and friends. He also liked to take his grandchildren on outings. It brought him a great deal of pleasure no matter how physically challenging it might be. Ken was rewarded for all the recitals and birthday parties he attended on his last two birthdays. He thoroughly enjoyed the two surprise birthday parties. Ken loved to spend time with the people he loved. They were always on his mind, no matter how far away they were.

On December 11th, he awoke in the hospital and said “This is Raymond’s birthday. We need to call him and wish him a Happy Birthday.” Raymond lives in North Carolina and is just one of many friends Ken had for almost 60 years.

Ken lived out the verse, Proverbs 17:17, “A friends loveth at all times.” Being blessed with good friends seemed to make it easy for him to embrace Jesus not only as his Lord and Savior, but also as his greatest friend. One of the verses read at our wedding, Ecclesiastes 4:12, “A threefold chord is not quickly broken” sustained both of us in our marriage.

The Lord blessed Ken with a peaceful departure from this world, surrounded by the love and prayers of his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Lesley Marlnee of Broken Arrow; son, David Marlnee and wife Tina of Muskogee; step-daughters, Malinda Aary and husband Doyal of Tulsa, Diana Ary and husband Mike of Owasso, Sharon Occhuizzo and husband Andrew of Broken Arrow, and Shawna Wyrick of Bristow; step-son, Billy Raiburn; granddaughters, Lisa Johnson and husband D.J. of Tulsa, Abby Green and husband Levi of Tulsa, Jordan Raiburn of Tulsa, Taylor Clark of Broken Arrow, Sophia Occhuizzo of Broken Arrow, and Amnesty Marlnee of Muskogee; great-granddaughters, Addison Green of Tulsa, and Gracie Johnson of Tulsa; great-grandsons, Kayson Green and Karson Green of Tulsa; great –grandsons, Jake Johnson of Tulsa, and Gannar Green of Tulsa; sister, Margaret Boyd of Porter; brother, Howell Marlnee of Tulsa; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marieca Jewel York; brother, Alford Great Marlnee, Jr.; sister, Alice Nina Marlnee; and parents, Alford Great Sr. and Alice Mae Marlnee.