Marlin Harding Anthony

He started his young life in Shannon, Mississippi. He had his first job at the age of 8, working in the local movie theater, cleaning and selling Cokes during the matinees. While visiting the home of a “wealthy” family friend, Marlin was introduced to the piano. While staring at it, the lady asked if he played, to which eight-year-old Marlin replied, “I don’t know.” He sat down and, to everyone’s surprise, began playing… a passion that lasted the rest of his life.

His family eventually settled in Lufkin. Marlin and his friends started the first Rock-n-Roll band in the area, playing at many local events (and on top of the concession stand at the Panther Drive-in). Marlin went on to play piano on Hank Huggins’ “Double H Ranch TV Show” and later played in several Lufkin “Hee-Haw” shows.

He graduated from Redland High School in 1957 and was excited to enter the Air Force in 1960. While he planned to make the Air Force his career, a tumor forced surgeons to remove most of his right lung. He was permanently retired in 1967.

He attended the University of Maryland and later received his bachelor’s and master’s in psychology from Stephen F. Austin. He used his degree working at the Lufkin State School. In 1968, he was offered a position with LTV Aerospace as a Logistics Support Representative. During his years with LTV, he made numerous U.S. Navy Westpac deployments onboard seven aircraft carriers, supporting the operational employment of the A-7 Corsair II medium attack jet aircraft in the Vietnam theater. He returned to Lufkin in the late 1970s and worked in banking for many years. He eventually returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

A faithful Christian, Marlin was a member of several congregations in his life, including the Fourth and Groesbeck and Timberland Drive Churches of Christ in Lufkin, Westside Church of Christ in Irving, Westlake Church of Christ in Mesquite, Rice Road Church of Christ in Tyler, and the Greenville Church of Christ.

On June 13, 1964, Marlin married the love of his life, the former Karolyn Koon. They were married for 60 years and had two children: Captain Craig Anthony (U.S. Navy, Retired) and Dr. Kelly O’Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his two brothers, Lloyd Thomas and Charles Evans.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karolyn; his two children, Craig and Kelly; his daughter-in-law, Sarah Anthony; his son-in-law, Tim O’Sullivan; and his four grandchildren: U.S. Air Force Major Daniel Anthony and wife, Karen; Mallory Peek and husband, Craig; Thomas O’Sullivan and wife, Ashlyn; and Elli Anthony. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren, Luke, Asher, and Carter; his dear cousin Barbara Lee Clark of Tupelo, Mississippi; and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Gipson Funeral Home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Ashley Sharky of the Greenville Church of Christ. A brief graveside service will follow at Berry Cemetery in Moffitt.