Franklin Marlin

Dr. Franklin Lee Marlin, 87, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Keller, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 2, 1937, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was the son of John Henry and Wilma Augusta (Roe) Marlin. On May 3, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Gwendolyn Morgan, also in Muskogee, and they moved to Missouri in 1960. Together, they raised four children, and their legacy includes eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

For 45 years, Franklin and Gwen served faithfully in ministry with the United Methodist Church of the Missouri Conference. Their passion for service extended globally through mission trips that included Belize, where they also enjoyed a shared love of scuba diving. Gwen preceded him in death on July 19, 2007.

Ordained as a Methodist minister on May 27, 1964, Franklin pursued academic and spiritual excellence throughout his life. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma City University, a Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to his ministry, he received specialized training in Crisis Intervention with Fire and Police departments and was proud to serve as a chaplain with the Fire Department during his tenure at First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Following his retirement from the United Methodist Church, he and Gwen moved back to Oklahoma. Dr. Marlin continued to serve others as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and Practitioner with a master’s certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. For over a decade, he guided individuals on their path to recovery while supervising LADC candidates. He was most proud of this work and the opportunity to help people live their lives more fully.

He is survived by his son Stephen and his wife Lisa Carol Marlin, and their children Madeline and Connor; his daughter Lisa Ann Marlin and her husband Ron Bebus, along with her children Riles Alexander (and his wife Sara and their children Ryder, Roman, and Soren), Austin Alexander, Emily Stallsworth (and her husband Tre), and Grace Alexander; his daughter Jana and her husband Jim Meeks, and their children Zachary Meeks (and his wife Kaila and their children Krymzen and Kyzley) and Morgan Retton (and her husband Nick and their children Riley and Lincoln); and his daughter Cheryl Marlin and her children Audrey Warner (and her wife Jill Rice), Magdalene Young, and Gwendolyn Volmer (and her husband Robert and their son Robbie). He is also survived by his brother, the Reverend John Henry Marlin, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Throughout his life — whether with his family, in ministry, or in his recovery work, which he found especially fulfilling in his later years — Dr. Marlin exemplified unwavering love, compassion, and service. He touched countless lives, and his spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire everyone who knew and loved him.

A private family service will be held at a later date to honor and celebrate his life.