Marlin Maurer Obituary (1932 - 2023)

Marlin M Maurer, Sr., reconnected to his wife Donna of 68 years and met his Master face to face today, January 17, 2023 and the legacy he leaves is remarkable: the importance of putting Christ first, loving/serving/caring for family, loving others, being generous, having fun, using your God-given gifts, omitting judgement, and countless more memories! Marlin was born in Flint on December 15, 1932 to parents who gave him a challenged childhood, but when he met his future bride at 16, he said his life was never the same. She gave him something extraordinary to reach for. He was athletic, musical, a good dancer and a whole lot of fun, and while at Everett High School he earned the title Mr. Basketball. Marlin and Donna married after graduating high school and on their wedding day he received his draft assignment in the mail. Two weeks after their honeymoon he left for England where he served as a Morse Code Operator for 18 months during the Korean War. Upon return they moved to California where Donna's family had moved and Marlin went through barber school. Three years later they moved back to Michigan with their daughters LuAnn, Carol and Cheryl. Marlin Jr. was born in Michigan. Marlin's highest priority was his wife and family. He was also an avid sportsman: fishing, golfing, softball, basketball, pool - all done with son (and sometimes girls!) in tow. He also sponsored teams and coached teams. Marlin was a friend to all. The youngest of four siblings, he was the class clown, the one who was quick witted and made people laugh, and he loved the profession he chose because of his love for people. He stated there was never a day he didn't want to go work. He loved his job, and that was evident when he left the barber shop in 2008 but still cut some of his oldest client's hair in the basement of his home, and assisted numerous clients in nursing homes and hospitals. He also volunteered at Ingham Medical Hospital shuttling patients/guests from the parking lot and selling popcorn in front of the cafeteria. When his family was very young and living in California, Marlin's boss asked him to attend church. That was another pivotal point that changed the course of his life. He and Donna got baptized, making a public profession of their faith in Jesus. Together they raised their family in church and were both very active participants. For years they led Sunday school classes for kids and were in Bible studies and countless special events. Marlin coordinated golf leagues and sang in quartets, choirs and sang solos. He was a gifted vocalist and learned to play the piano by ear. He was known around the church as the "Candy Man", handing out candy to every kiddo whose parents approved. Marlin was an exceptional husband, father, father-in-law, uncle and grandfather. His children never doubted his love for his wife or them - and neither did his grandchildren, Toni Fabus (Jason), David Cole (Trudy), Scott (Katelyn) Cole, Hunter Camp (Emily) and eight great grandchildren. He was an example of high morals, strong work ethic, commitment, humor, grace, acceptance and forgiveness. Marlin had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend, and it's truly how he felt about people. The void he leaves is large, but the memories he leaves are even larger ... happy memories of a man who loved life, loved to make people smile and made people feel valued. There's no doubt that when he met his Master face to face he heard loud and clear, "Well done my faithful servant, very well done." Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Central Free Methodist Church, 828 N. Washington Ave. Lansing, MI 48906 with visitation one hour prior to the service. A livestream service of the service will be available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbdVbsz4D9c. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence in Marlin's name. To share memoires and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com