William “Bill” Marler, age 85, of Benton, KY, died Sunday, October 8, 2017, at his home. Bill left this earthly realm to join Betty, the love of his life, by the river, just as he promised her about a year ago. Their daughter’s are forever grateful for the love, devotion, and care he showed to their mother throughout their marriage and the Godly example he set for all who knew them.
He was a faithful and active member of New Zion Southern Missionary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, sang in the Choir, and was a member of the Ky Baptist Builders. He traveled with the Southern Baptist Short Term Mission Team to Oneida, KY multiple times and served with KY Baptist Disaster Relief Mass Feeding Team to Slidell, LA following Hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Marler was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, joining at the age of 15, a member of the U.A.W. local 523, and retired from SKW Metals and Alloys where he worked as a furnace operator for 42 years.
He is survived by daughters, Rose DeWever, husband Marc of Washington, Mo, Trish Gray, husband Randy of Benton, KY, Paula Marler of Benton, KY, Lisa Marler of Benton, KY, grandchildren, Tammy Goheen, husband Jacob of Austin, TX, Joshua Goheen, wife Meghan of St. Louis, MO, Michael DeWever, wife Melissa of Fenton, MO, Chelsea DeWever of Washington, MO, Stephanie Leab of Murray, KY, Sarah Doom of Aurora, KY, Taleah McGuire, husband Eddie of Benton, KY, Brady Robertson of Murray, KY, Emily Robertson of Benton, KY, Levi Robertson of Benton, KY, and great grandchildren, Morgan Borens of Benton, KY, Montana Leab of Golo, KY, Lex Doom of Aurora, KY, Lilly Hopkins of Aurora, KY, Fred Goheen and Edith Goheen of St. Louis, MO, along with 2 foster great-grandchildren, “J” and “K”.
He is also survived by brothers, Henry Clifton Marler of Prattville, AL, Jessie Ray Marler, wife Deloris of Paducah, KY, John Frank Marler, wife Jeanette of Hardin, KY, sister, Catherine Johnson of Paducah, KY, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Betty Lou (Nelson) Marler, parents, Henry William and Hazel Elizabeth (Conway) Marler, brother, Richard Marler, and sisters, Elizabeth Petrous and Doris Riley.
A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Collier Funeral Chapel located at 211 West 5th St. Benton, KY 42025 with Bro. Mike Littrell and Bro. Rodney Wallace officiating.
Interment will follow in the Marshall County Memory Gardens, Benton, KY.
Visitation will be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Collier Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 2796 Wadesboro Rd., Benton, KY 42025.