Marlin Donald Kerley

Marlin Kerley, 91, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died December 19th with his wife of 70 years, Mary Kerley, at his side.

He was born and raised in Peck, KS.  Marlin enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday and graduated from Mulvane High School in 1945.  He spent his Navy career aboard a minesweeper in the Asian Pacific.  After his discharge in July 1946 he began working for Western Electric in Wichita.  In 1947, Marlin met his future wife, Mary, while she was working at the lunch counter at Dockham’s Drug Store, who persuaded him to apply at Boeing and leave Western Electric.  Marlin began working at Boeing in 1948 and they were married on November 19, 1948.

Marlin’s Boeing career spanned 39 years rising from post war entry level to senior executive.  In addition, Marlin also farmed and raised horses and livestock in Peck.  Upon retirement Marlin split time between the farm and Bella Vista, Arkansas before retiring completely to Bella Vista.

A lifelong Christian, Marlin humbly served the Lord and helped those in need.  He was an active member of the Bella Vista Church of Christ and served as an Elder for 20 years.  Together with Mary, he volunteered at the Bella Vista Meals on Wheels Program delivering meals for over 30 years.

Marlin is survived by the love of his life, Mary; two sons: David Kerley and his wife Dana of Mulvane, KS and Ed Kerley and his wife Suzanne of Leawood, KS along with his grandchildren Paige Kerley of Dallas, Texas and Mason Kerley of Leawood, KS.

A memorial service celebrating Marlin’s life will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the Bella Vista Church of Christ, Bentonville, AR.  A graveside service and burial will be held on Saturday, December 29th at 1:00 pm at Council Hill Cemetery, Peck, KS.

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