Joseph Dale Marlow

Joseph Dale Marlow, 93, longtime educator/superintendent in area school districts of Hume, Metz, Bronaugh, and Dadeville, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, in Nevada. He was born May 24, 1922, in Lockwood, Mo., the ninth of 10 children born to the union of Joseph William and Gertie Mabel (Polston) Marlow. Leone and Joe met in Liberal, Mo., and on June 3, 1947, they were united in marriage.

After high school graduation, Joe moved to the St. Louis area where he worked as an aircraft welder until he was drafted into the United States Army. Upon completion of his military duty, he returned to the Liberal area where his parents had moved. He attended college on the GI bill and made education his vocation until his retirement. Joe taught music in the Hume school district and at Metz for three years. He became superintendent of the Bronaugh school district for six years, before spending 18 years as superintendent of Dadeville schools. He was a longtime member of the Lockwood United Methodist Church, MSTA School Administrators Association, 50 plus year member of Liberal Masonic Lodge No. 87, member of the Eastern Star in Jerico Springs and Lamar, and he participated in the Greenfield American Legion.

He was an accomplished violin player and spent much time in volunteer work associated with music and many various civic organizations. Joe loved to garden when time allowed.

Survivors include his wife, Leone, of the home; children, Betty Jo Laflen (Jerry), Moundville, Joseph Dale Marlow Jr. (Tammy), Springfield, Becky Jane Toler (Kenneth), Bolivar, and Martin Marlow (Beth), Springfield; son-in-law, Lyndon Irwin, of Bois D'Arc; grandchildren, Joseph Laflen (Adrian), Jerry Laflen (Jill), Jeffrey Laflen (Holly), John Laflen (Julie), Russ Marlow (Lindsey), Brian Toler, Kendra Young (Zachary), Brandon Toler (Chelsea), Krista Stander (Jordan), John Irwin (Risa), Phillip Irwin (Ashley), Thomas Marlow, and Vance Marlow; 19 great grandchildren; one brother, Howard Marlow (Helen); one sister-in-law, Bobby Marlow; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many special friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Barbara Jean Irwin; and eight siblings.

Funeral services for Joseph Dale Marlow will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at the Lockwood United Methodist Church, in Lockwood, with Pastor Travis James officiating. Interment will follow in the Lockwood Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the Masonic service which will begin at 11:20 a.m.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Lockwood United Methodist Church or the Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in care of Ferry Funeral Home.