Alfred "Al" Marcum

Alfred Marcum, 73, of La Grange, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on January 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 13, 1952, Alfred was the son of the late Alton and Cylvesta (Bigelow)Marcum. He was a 1970 graduate of Oldham County High School and continued his education at the University of Kentucky, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Dental Technology. In his younger years, Alfred and his family operated the well-known Marcum Pool for many years, a place fondly remembered by the community. He owned and operated his dental laboratory for 9 years. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a devoted fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. His love of the outdoors included competitive games of croquet, fishing, frog gigging, being out on the water, and spending time in nature. Alfred was a natural host who loved entertaining family and friends and never turned down a game of Pitch or Parcheesi.

Gifted with an uncanny ability to fix nearly anything, Alfred was an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur at heart. His innovative spirit was sparked in 1982 with the creation of the Butter Butler and continued to shine throughout his life. He founded Marcum Development Company, where he developed railroad products and pursued countless innovative ideas.

Always curious and forward-thinking, Alfred had a keen eye for opportunity and was forever dreaming up his next creation. When asked what he loved to do the most, his simple response was, “tinkering and designing”. Coaching was another of Alfred’s great passions. He served for many years as head coach of his son’s (Brett) Special Olympics basketball team. He also coached his daughter’s (Brooke) Oldham County High School junior varsity and varsity volleyball team from 2003 to 2007, and was a steadfast supporter of his son (Jacob) throughout his high school golfing career. Alfred is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Connie (Carney) Marcum; his sons, Brett Marcum and Jacob Marcum; his daughter, Brooke (Marcum) Harris, and her husband, Troy; his twin grandchildren, Shallyn and Gavin Harris; his brother, Jim (Kathy) Marcum; his sisters, Suzanne (Ray) Hager and Phyllis (Tim) Newland; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers are Jacob Marcum, Troy Harris, Andrew Newland, Bryan Cochran, John Carney, Paul Carney, Chris Hager, and Ryan Gatliff. Honorary pallbearers include Brett Marcum, Jim Marcum, Ray Hager, Tim Newland, Harold Jones, David Carney, Joe Russell, Don Jones, and his lifelong friends John Spillman, Rick Phillips, Tony Moffett, Bill Henkel, and Roy Smith.

A true Kentuckian with deep roots in Oldham County, Alfred Marcum leaves behind a legacy of ingenuity, generosity, and passion for family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hosparus Health or New Hope Baptist Church.

Visitation

Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home

706 W Jefferson Street

La Grange, KY 40031

Friday, January 16, 2026

4:00pm-8:00pm

Saturday, January 17, 2026

9:00am-10:00am

Funeral service

Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home

706 W Jefferson Street

La Grange, KY 40031

Saturday, January 17, 2026

10:00am

Graveside Service

New Hope Baptist Church

3909 Valley Hill Road

Springfield, KY 40069

Saturday, January 17, 2026