Born November 7, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, he proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force. His career began with an assignment in Arkansas, where he met the love of his life, Jeanette. His service took him to Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War and later to Wyoming, where he worked in the K9 unit guarding Minuteman missile silos before serving as a recruiter and instructor.
After retiring from the military, he answered a higher calling and attended Holyrood Seminary in Liberty, NY, where he prepared for the priesthood. He was ordained as an Anglican priest and later an Orthodox priest and served faithfully for nearly 40 years, ministering to his community with unwavering devotion. His priesthood was the cornerstone of his life, and he was known for his deep faith and commitment to guiding others spiritually.
An avid outdoorsman, Fr. Marquette found joy in nature and adventure throughout his life, particularly fishing along the Sweetwater River and hunting near Cokeville Wyoming and flounder fishing in Florida. He also had a deep love for dogs, often saying they were “God’s proof that He loved mankind enough to give them such a loyal and loving companion.”
He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 63 years, Jeanette Marquette, and a proud father, grandfather, and soon-to-be great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Marquette, his daughter Laura Duncan (husband Joby); son Michael S. Marquette, Jr. (wife Jennifer); grandchildren Megan McCormick (husband Casey), Michael S. Marquette III, Katelynn Purcell (husband James), and Maddy Duncan (fiancé Dan Rawdon); great grandson, Noah McCormick, his brother John Marquette (wife Sandy); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Marquette.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, who became family: members of Gabbie’s Residential Care (Minnie (Pearl) Pickard and Jalisa Dowell-Beasley) and Columbus Hospice (especially Nurse Jaime and CNA Stacie).
A funeral service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Catholic Cathedral, 422 Broad Street, Columbus, GA, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George’s Anglican Catholic Cathedral or Paws Humane Society, Columbus, Georgia.
