Mark Anthony Marren

Mark Anthony Marren, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, after a recent illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Carolyn (Gordon) Marren. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Thomas John Marren and Eleanor Rose (Murphy) Marren; eight of his siblings: Lorraine Chappie, Patricia Pittman, Celeste Mahon, Thomas, Vincent, Glennon, James and Jerome; and his son-in-law, Michael Gens.

Surviving Mark are Carolyn’s sister Holley Gordon Cary and her husband David Walter Cary who are honored to have shared time with and cared for Mark in his later years in their home near Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his sisters, Helen Friedman and Kathleen Marchlewski; and his sister-in-law Marie Gordon Yawn (Richie). Also surviving Mark are Carolyn’s children, Kenny (Jan) Sturgeon and their son Aiden; and Melanie Gens and her children Drake (Theresa), Abby and Luke Gens. Mark also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and friends by whom he will be lovingly remembered.

Born in St. Louis, MO, Mark grew up as the youngest of 11 children. He had a keen interest in automobiles and started his long career as a professional auto mechanic by working in his bother’s service station as a teenaged boy. His career progressed and he spent many years working on Volkswagen vehicles and later found his way to the Chrysler Plymouth dealership where he would eventually meet his wife, Carolyn.

Those who knew Mark well know that he loved conversation, cars, sports, the outdoors and being with Carolyn and their friends at their favorite campgrounds. His love for his family and friends will live on through his memory and he will be greatly missed. Mark and Carolyn both grew greatly in their faith in their final years and there is no doubt that he is now resting in the arms of the Lord.

Spending the last two years of his life with David and Holley was a blessed time for them. Mark became active in church life and was not afraid to pray openly and often. His church family offered prayer support and the caregivers who helped him became closely attached to him through shared spiritual connection.

A time of visitation and connection for his Memphis family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Calvary Church of the Nazarene; 1851 N. Houston Levee Rd, Cordova, TN 38016.

A graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery; 5150 Fee Fee Rd, Hazelwood, MO, 63042 on April 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Please meet at the cemetery for service.

In lieu of flowers, Mark would have appreciated for the giver to simply take a friend, acquaintance or family member to dinner and share fellowship and the love of the Lord with them.

Any memorial gifts should be made to:

The charity of the donor’s choice, The Archdiocese of St. Louis; 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63119; or Calvary Church of the Nazarene; 1851 N. Houston Levee Rd, Cordova, TN, 38016.