Harold Lipscomb Marcum

Harold was born on January 31, 1929 to Emmett L. Marcum and Irene (Shay) in Amber, OK. He grew up in rural Oklahoma in a cattle ranching family but his creativity and adventurous spirit led him to be the first of his family to venture out and to graduate from college. After Harold graduated from Mound Valley High School in 1947, he went on to study English at Oklahoma State University finishing up his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma Central State after being drafted for a short time into the Korean war.

He began teaching high school English in New Kirk, OK, and then spent years enjoying teaching and directing High School students in Oklahoma then Kansas in productions such as Babes in Arms, Iodine, Guys and Dolls and Annie get your Gun. During his teaching he was also able on to complete a Master’s in English/Drama from Oklahoma University.

In 1957, Harold met Marcia Sue Streeter during a summer production of Our Town in Tulsa, OK, marrying in June of 1959. Harold and Marcia went on to have four children, Rick Marcum, Laura Marcum, Melinda Marcum Heeb and Scott Marcum.

In pursuit of their next adventure, in 1965, Harold moved his family to Lawrence, KS to Jayhawk country. Here he continued to teach and direct in both High School and church venues. Harold and Marcia were very active at the First Southern Baptist Church in Lawrence, KS, developing strong community ties and lasting friendships.

In 1975, Harold began a new career in real estate, which lasted until retirement. He was able to help many young couples and families find their forever home. He also continued to direct drama at church, sing in the church choir, and in the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus.

[Harold was always a writer at heart and continued to be to the end. Each morning, rising from sleep with a new story on his mind.]

Harold was predeceased by his wife, Marcia Sue Marcum. He is survived by Rick Marcum, Laura Marcum, Melinda (Marcum) Heeb, Scott Marcum, nine beloved grandchildren: Katy Marcum Chitwood, Jake Marcum, Megan Marcum, Michael Heeb, Trisha Heeb, Gabby Heeb, Taylor Heeb, Zach Heeb, and Claire Marcum.

Services will be held at First Southern Baptist Church, Lawrence, KS on April 2, at 1:00 p.m.