Carl Vernon Marrs
Carl Vernon Marrs, 90, of Rockdale, Texas, departed this life peacefully on Monday, July 12, 2021, at home, surrounded by family.
He was born in Cairo on Aug. 8, 1930, the son of John Franklin Marrs and Hattie Marie Frank Marrs, He was the youngest of 10 children.
Mr. Marrs was preceded in death by four brothers, Orville Marrs (Eva), Albert Marrs, Frank Marrs (Lucille) and Ernest Marrs (Bernice); and five sisters, Christine Duncan (Red), Juanita Talley (John), Bertha Grigsby (Aaron), Florence Vaughn(Joyce) and Edna Hipps (James).
He grew up helping the family by delivering milk, working in an ice house and also working as a gas station attendant. He enjoyed fishing, camping, baseball, bowling and spending time with his family.
In 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the young age of 18. He did his basic training in Cheyenne, Wyo.
When he came back to Cairo on leave, he went on a blind date, where he met the future Mrs. Beulah Irene Schultz Marrs. They were married on Aug. 5, 1949.
During the early years of their marriage, they were stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where their first child, a son, Michael Lee Marrs, was born.
They later were transferred to Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama, where their daughter, Patricia Lynn (Marrs) Nowlin was born.
Mr. Marrs spent most of his career in the Air Force, working in support and transportation.
On Aug. 1,1973, he was stationed at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., where he retired as assistant IG of nuclear safety.
During his service with the Air Force, Mr. Marrs was awarded the United Nations Medal, the Longevity Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
After his retirement, Mr. Marrs dedicated 20 years to the Houston Police Department as a K-9 handler in the bomb detection unit. In 1983, he and his partner, Champ, were honored in the 100 Club for the detection of bombs planted at an oil refinery on the Houston ship channel.
Mr. Marrs was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his wife of 60 years, Beulah Irene (Schultz) Marrs.
Survivors include a son, Michael Lee Marrs and wife Rebecca of Georgetown, Texas; a daughter Patricia Lynn (Marrs) Nowlin and husband Alan of Rockdale, Texas; his grandchildren, John C. Armbruster and wife Gretchen of Commerce City, Colo., David A. Nowlin and wife Stevie of Rockdale, Texas, Michael C. Nowlin of Rockdale, Texas, and Dana Miller of Commerce City, Colo.; great-grandchildren Jerrid, Brooklyne and Hanna Armbruster, and Logan, Austin, Nick and Aerith Nowlin; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 9 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, Colo., shelter “B.”
Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.