“Don’t you just love that Kansas breeze!” Marilyn exclaimed whether the breeze was in Louisiana, Virginia, California, Texas, Great Britain, or the Philippine Islands. Marilyn saw the world during her 91 years and yet she never felt far from Wichita, Kansas, her beloved hometown.
Marilyn was the only child of Ferne Wilson and Albert Barnum. Born during the Depression and raised during WWII, cutting back was just part of who she was. Marilyn “recycled & reused” long before anyone knew what sustainability meant. She cut coupons to buy sugar, flour and gasoline during the War and told stories about radio listening on Pearl Harbor and D-Day.
Marilyn’s earliest memories were of her father’s pie shop, Barnum’s Pies. The family business instilled in her a lifelong love of pies. Her family changed dramatically with her father’s death when she was only 5 years old. Their membership at 1st Methodist was a source of stability and community.
While Ferne and Marilyn were a small family, Grandmother Joanne arrived to live with them showing Marilyn an example of strong female role models. Marilyn’s love of traveling began with her visits to the Waynoka, OK railroad station where her maternal grandfather managed the Reading Room. In 1939, Ferne took Marilyn on a grand adventure driving from Kansas to Ontario to see the Dionne Quints, who Marilyn adored in person, then to NYC for the World’s Fair.
Marilyn is a 1946 graduate of Wichita East High. She was President of WEHS sorority and Tally Hostess. Her fondest Wichita memory she took with her--Dick Cody. After high school, she visited Dick at West Point while she attended KU majoring in microbiology and served as KU Chi Omega President.
Dick and Marilyn married in 1950 at 1st UMC after Dick’s commission in the US Air Force. While Dick served a Korean combat tour, Marilyn with baby, Diane, returned to Wichita to live with her mom. After Korea, Louisiana was their next home where three children were born-Rick, David and Lauren.
Dick promised Marilyn she would “see the world”. One of her favorite assignments was the 3 years spent in Great Britain where Dick was a Royal Air Force exchange officer. The Cody family spent summers touring Europe where Marilyn and Dick kept the four kids engaged by giving each child a job to set up the campground tents. The family explored Asia while in the Philippine Islands. She loved exploring nearby countries-- Hong Kong was her favorite city she visited. Between each of their many Air Force assignments around the world, the Cody family returned to Wichita to visit Dick’s parents, Ione and Ralph Cody.
Marilyn was a committed military wife supporting the children as they left schools and entered new schools. Marilyn volunteered as a Room Parent, Brownie Leader, Boy Scout helper and Sunday School teacher. Dick served two tours in Vietnam and Marilyn “single parented” in Dallas. Marilyn instilled in her children strong leadership capabilities, respect for authority, patriotism and Christian faith.
As Dick’s career progressed, Marilyn took on more responsibilities as the General’s wife. She greeted new staff to a base, helped acclimate the spouses of junior officers and accomplished these tasks with grace and finesse.
Dick and Marilyn selected to retire in Virginia. With her children grown, Marilyn entered the workforce becoming the church secretary for Annandale United Methodist Church. Her organizational and interpersonal skills worked well in keeping the church running smoothly.
Marilyn’s greatest joy occurred when each of her 11 grandchildren who lovingly named her “Barney”. Wanting to keep the family together, Dick and Marilyn hosted the growing family at Fort Walton Beach, FL. Each year the cousins played together in the surf, enjoyed go-cart riding and nightly group meals.
Marilyn’s strength of spirit and commitment gave her energy for Dick’s home care over 20 years when his health failed. She was a devoted caregiver and kept her positive attitude fueled with volunteer church, PEO and the occasional bridge game.
In 2014, Marilyn chose to move to Houston. For almost 6 years, she enjoyed weekly dinners with Rick & June and Sunday brunch with Diane & Ben after attending Chapelwood UMC. Marilyn relished visits from David & Randa and Lauren & David and updates from her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Marilyn is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Dick Cody. She is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, grandchildren Judd & Amanda Carothers, Josh & Jodi Carothers, Taylor & Blake Shaver, Megan & Josh Barnard, Carl & Mamie Murphy, Scott Murphy, Kathleen Roberts, Baylor & Lindsey Cody, Carson & Diane Cody, and Griffin Cody. She is predeceased by grandson Mark Roberts. Great grandchildren are Wylder and Tinsley Carothers, Bennett and Felix Barnard, Gray Murphy, Sloane, Rhodes and Blythe Shaver, Austin, Claire and Emma Cody.
Donations to Chapelwood Foundation and Annandale United Methodist Church can be made if desired.
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