Funeral services for (Retired SFC) Pastor L. D. Marion Jr. 80 of Temple, TX will be as follows:

Saturday, June 8, 2024, 12:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Cameron, TX. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) at the church. Monday, June 10, 2024, 12:00 p.m. at Bible Way Missionary Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, TX. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) at the church. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow the service athe Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

THE true measure of a Servant is viewed through the service of one who has resolved that their life belongs to the Lord. Under the umbrella of this conviction, the Servant engages each day of his life, convinced that he is living toward leaving to reside in the eternal Presence of the One to who his soul belongs. "Romans 14:7-8 says," For not one of us lives for himself, and not one of us dies for himself; for if we live, we belong to the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. Such truth was personified in the life of Pastor L. D. Marion.

HE was the fifth of seven children assigned to the parental stewardship of L. D. "Boot" and Winnie Faye Marion on September 24, 1943, in Rockdale, Texas. His legacy will continue on through his children, siblings and acquaintances. He sealed his eternal destiny when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior during the tender years of his youth in Rockdale, Texas.

HIS formal education was as unique as his abilities were viewed under the ambitious aspirations to enlist in the military.  He is a graduate of Rockdale High School, Rockdale, TX.

SERVICE was his passion which would establish and keep him on the path to fulfilling his God-given purpose.  Service was not acceptable to him unless it entailed the devotion of his life.  Devotion was more than a statement but the only Standard he viewed acceptable to be honorable. In 1963, he invested this devotion by enlisting in the U.S. Army. His accolades and awards include the Meritorious Service Award the Bronze Star Medal (w/60 Device); Good Conduct Medal (w/Bronze 5 Loops); National Defense Service Medal; Amy Service Ribbon Service Ribbon (Numeral 4); Vietnam Service Medal (w/1 Silver Services Star); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; (Rifle) NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4); Marksman (Rifle).  Leaders Course, (1978); Sergeant Major and 1st Sergeant Course 1980). After devoting "20 years and 5 months and as a Specialist 8 years and 7 months of honorable service to his country. (Vietnam 1965-1969; Germany 1970-1973; Ft. Hood 1973-1984) SFC L. D. Marion, Jr. retired from the United States Army in 1984 at Ft. Hood, Texas.

THE honor of his service was directed and held accountable for his reverential pursuit of pleasing the Lord.  His passionate pursuit of pleasing the Lord confirmed his entrance and ordination into the ministry while serving at Bible Way Missionary Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, Texas. He served in many ministries: not limited to the following.  He was licensed and ordained to the Gospel ministry at the Bible Way Missionary Baptist Church. He served successfully as the Youth Minister, Choir President, Brotherhood President, Senior Ministry President, Sunday School Superintendent, Adult Sunday School Teacher and Baptist Training Director.

THE quality devotion of his service to God as a Servant of God was something he preserved as an exceptional Steward of Time.  He viewed the assignment of his lifetime as the pacesetter for fulfilling the Purpose of God for his life.  As such, he diligently submitted himself to the discipline of preparation for greater works.  He became the Pastor of:
Gideon MBC, Tucson, Arizona, First MBC, Flagstaff, Arizona, Cornerstone MBC, Cameron, Texas and Moderator North District Association – Arizona.

ON the evening of May 31, 2024, at 10:45 p.m. the Lord received His Servant unto Himself, confirming his triumphant transition into His Eternal Presence.  Among those who preceded his transition are his parents: Winnie Faye and L.D. "Boot" Marion; Ollie May Duchane, Ynell Marion, Ravenia Young and two sons: Anthony E. Hood and Kenneth Marion.

AMONG those who remain to cherish the fruit of his earthly tenure and eternal triumph until the reunion at the return of our Lord is his loving wife: Ester Marion; two daughters: Cathy Moore, Woodbridge, VA; Linda Marion, Houston, TX;  seven sons: Barry Marion, Los Angeles, CA; Michael Thorton, Richard Ard, James McIver, Edward McIver, Ronnie McIver and Robert McIver of Flagstaff,  Arizona; Siblings; Rev. Marvel Marion, Houston, TX; Florida May Ford, Philadelphia, PA; Geraldine Young, Houston, TX and H. Earl Marion, Albany, Georgia; Six grandchildren and five great grandchildren along with a host of other family members, loved ones and friends.