Marion Sell

Marion’s biggest priorities in life were his faith in God and his family, including his wife Joyce who he loved so dearly, two sons, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was best known for his sense of humor, fondness for ice cream and talent for photography and woodworking. He was passionate about his lifelong career in education, and would light up telling stories about his students and adventures in being a principal.

In 1945, he left Exeter Union High School in California to join the Navy, where he was stationed in Pensacola, FL as a photographer for a unit of the air arm. His love of photography was then put to use as he took pictures for student publications at Anderson College in Anderson, IN, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in social studies and science. He received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas in 1957.

While in Anderson College, he met Joyce Ann Wheeler. They were married in her hometown of San Antonio, TX, and moved to Brownsville, TX, where Marion began his career in education teaching social studies at Brownsville High School and Brownsville Junior College. He then moved to McAllen, TX where he eventually became principal of McAllen Junior High and then McAllen High School before moving to Midland, TX to be principal of Midland High School. In 1967, he left Midland for Austin, TX to work as a research associate on the Governor’s Committee on Public School Education and to pursue studies toward a PHD at the University of Texas. He returned to Midland with his family in 1969 as an assistant director of the Region XVIII Education Service Center. His career in education might be summed up in his belief that you could not work with young people unless you had confidence in them.

Upon his retirement in 1987, Joyce and Marion moved to Lago Vista, TX on Lake Travis where they built their home with Marion doing much of the construction himself. Thereafter much of his time was spent “making sawdust” in his workshop, playing golf, visiting friends, and enjoying his family.

At the time of her passing in October 2012, Joyce and Marion had been married 63 years. Marion is survived by his sister La Wanda White of Orland, CA; brother Howard Glen Sell and wife Donna of Hemit, CA; son Richard “Rick” Sell and wife Lyn of Houston; son Stephen “Steve” Sell of Dallas; grandchildren, Taylor Sell and wife Jennifer of Midland; Lauren Sell and husband Sam Enis of Austin; Stephanie Sell of Midland; Spencer Sell of Midland; and great-grandchildren Caroline and Griffin Sell of Midland. Our parents provided a warm home; rich in Christian faith, and full of love and laughter. We are grateful to God for blessing us with such wonderful and caring parents.

A memorial service has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday March 31 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplin Bill Billett officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Village at Manor Park, Hospice of Midland, Memorial Christian Church of Midland and Alzheimer's Association.