Marlow Paul Severin

Marlow was born in Phillips, CO, to David and Helen Severin. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Roach Severin, his son Michael Severin – who tragically died from cancer at 10 years old – and his brothers Andrew and Sam Severin.

Marlow is survived by his daughter, Marlena (and Jimmy) Yates of Raleigh; his son David Severin of Simpsonville, SC; and his five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Katie (and Anthony) Thomas of Charlotte, and their children Mallory, Abigail and Lily; Kristen (and John) Umstead of Raleigh, and their children Harper and Wesley; Lindsay (and Clayton) Idle of Delray Beach, FL, and their children Brooke, Brayden and Kate; Dylan Severin of Delray Beach, FL; and Summer Severin of Delray Beach, FL.

Marlow and Patsy also had many dogs over the years that they adored like children, and as they aged, the dogs truly were their special companions. These dogs did not eat dry dog food – no! They enjoyed scrambled eggs, chicken, ice cream and other scraps daily!

Marlow graduated from the University of Oklahoma where he majored in Engineering. While in college, he met his future wife Patsy, who was attending Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. They were married at 20 years old and remained steadfast together for another 70 years. Marlow and Patsy had three children: Marlena, Michael and David. Marlow served in the United States Navy Reserve for 25 years and served on the USS Valley Forge where he received a Commendation. After Naval Officer training, he started a long career as a mechanical engineer that required the family to move around a lot. They lived all over the Eastern half of the United States, but spent many years in Salisbury, NC, and Hannibal, Missouri.

In his free time, Marlow loved playing golf and watching college football. Once he retired from his engineering career, Marlow and Patsy lived in several golf communities and met dear friends in each place. They also enjoyed traveling the world together. It’s incredible how the mind works; over the past few years, Marlow’s dementia made him forget what was said five minutes ago, but he could recall with precision the details of their amazing trips and naval history.

Marlow was a loyal and doting husband, respected and loving father, and a beloved and involved grandfather and great-grandfather (called “Pop Pop Marlow”). Marlow and Patsy both traveled to participate in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s major milestones, birthdays, sporting events and performances. They made a genuine effort to connect with each of the children, always finding some shared interests. Many of the kids’ love of travel, animals, photography, music, art, baking, gardening and more come from Marlow and Patsy’s influence.

Marlow and Patsy always prioritized their marriage, and they lived an active, adventurous life together until health issues slowed them down in their late 70s. Marlow survived heart and other surgeries but dealt with lingering complications. They finally moved to Durham in 2020 to be closer to family.

Since they relocated often, Marlow and Patsy wished for a small, joint graveside celebration of life at Salisbury National Cemetery. The Veterans Affairs process can take months to approve these burials, so the family appreciates your support while we wait for this closure to come. It’s very telling and endearing that they wanted to be buried and commemorated together. It’s like they knew they would leave this world together – true partners in life and in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the Dementia Alliance of NC (DementiaNC.org).