Ivin "Ivan" Marks

Ivin (known by most as "Ivan") Marks died on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, after a long and well-lived life. Born in 1927 in Camden, Arkansas, the youngest of five children of Carl and Naomi Marks, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in 1945, with a brief stint in the Philippines at the end of World War II.

Returning to college in Arkansas, he met and married Glenna Elizabeth Deaton. They welcomed son Alan in 1949 and daughter Sheila Gay in 1952. Ivan’s early career was as a Baptist minister, but when he joined the Arkansas National Guard as a chaplain in 1956, his trajectory back into the military began. He was called to active duty at Central High School in Little Rock during the integration efforts in 1957, ordered back to active duty in January 1959, and then served continuously in the Army until his retirement in 1978. His overseas assignments included Korea, Germany, and Vietnam. He received many awards and decorations, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, a Parachutist Badge (as the “jumping chaplain”), the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Ivan earned two master’s degrees, and his administrative skills did not go unnoticed wherever he worked. As a young minister, he had been tapped for a key administrative role for the Montgomery County Baptist Association. As a chaplain, he often handled large administrative tasks, retiring at the rank of colonel as the Deputy Post Chaplain at Fort Bliss, Texas. He then became the director of the YMCA in Waynesville, Missouri. Moving to Austin, Texas, in 1980, he became business manager of the First United Methodist Church there, serving for 13 years. He and Glenna would be active in this church for 40 years, enjoying their beloved Wedding Ring Sunday School class.

In 2020, after Glenna’s passing, Ivan moved to Silver City, New Mexico, to be near his daughter Gay and her husband Jim Palmer. In June 2023, he moved to Brattleboro, Vermont, to be near son Alan and his family. In Brattleboro, Ivan lived at the Bradley House (assisted living), and the staff there could not have been more wonderful in his 14+ month sojourn. He enjoyed going on the scenic drives and watching the birds and squirrels out his window, with a view of Mount Wantastiquet and (when the leaves were off the trees) the Connecticut River.

Ivan was always a courteous, calm presence. He liked to fish and would fry up his catches–never has catfish tasted better. He also was an expert woodworker and general fix-it pro. He is survived in Vermont by Alan (Paula) granddaughter Carrie Nelson (Josh), and great-granddaughter Eliza, in New Mexico by Gay and Jim. He is also survived by a number of loving nieces and nephews. Many friends and his brothers and sisters have gone before him.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Operating Budget of the First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701.