Marion Dale Huls

Born in Keokuk, Iowa on February 4, 1938, he was the son of John and Anna Huls of Basco, Illinois. Marion is proceeded in death by Carolyn, his parents, and three siblings, Dorothy (Johnson), Wilbur, and Walter.

Marion grew up on his family’s farm and being much younger than his siblings, he was responsible for the daily chores and helping his elderly, widowed mother care for the farm. Marion and Carolyn met in high school and were immediately inseparable. They married July 12, 1958 and eventually settled in Copperas Cove, Texas where they raised their family.

He is survived by his four children, Ricky Huls of Waxahachie, Dawn Merrell of Tampa, FL, Michael of Nolanville, and Dana (Chris) Ware of Austin; eight grandchildren, Amy Toledo, Phalen (Terry) Redmond, Garrett (Adriana) Huls, Natalie (Cavan) Cardenas, Trevor Huls, Kyle (Samantha) Huls, Chelsea (Matt) Cranfill, Shelby Ware, and nine great-grandchildren, Tres Toledo, Ellie Redmond, Karter Christopher Ware, Eli Maverick Walker, Rio and Sage Huls, Madison and Noah Cranfill, Camille and Charles Cardenas, Josephine and Diego Huls, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marion graduated from Carthage Community High School on May 31, 1956. Marion loved to play baseball and played for the Carthage Blue Boys throughout high school and continued to follow the St. Louis Cardinals for many years. Marion knew farming was not his calling and joined the Army in June of 1958. Marion dreamed of flying airplanes but it was not to be due to poor eyesight. Marion loved the military way of life and steadily climbed rank until he graduated from the Sergeants’ Major Academy in El Paso, rising to the highest rank he could achieve as a non-commissioned officer. Marion completed three tours in Vietnam where he was awarded three Bronze Stars and The Air Medal (given for single acts of valor). Marion was also stationed in Joliet, IL, Heidelberg, Germany, Corpus Christi and Fort Hood, where he spent much of his military career, allowing his young family to settle in one place for most of their lives.

Like his father and brother, Marion loved cars and that turned into a passion for NASCAR. He loved the super speedways and the Labonte brothers. Marion also loved the water even though he did not know how to swim. If he wasn’t on the lake, he was in the backyard in the pool with his kids and grandkids soaking up the sun, bar-b-queing, enjoying a cold beer and country music.

Visitation will be held at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home at 211 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 922 Lutheran Church Road, Copperas Cove on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10 AM. Refreshments will be served immediately following the service. Burial will take place at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 1 PM.