Clyde Richard Marken, age 75, devoted husband of Martha Holland Marken, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Maury Regional Medical Center.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine Catholic Church, with Father Dan Reehil officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Maury Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with the Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on August 3, 1949, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Richard was the beloved son of the late Donald G. and Shirley Collins Marken. He was one of eleven children, the youngest boy, and proudly known as “his mom’s favorite.”
Richard’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and selflessness. At the tender age of eight, he met Martha Holland, the love of his life, and on November 11, 1967, they began a beautiful journey together as husband and wife. Their union was blessed with four children: Richard, Gene, Mike, and Mary. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and hard work.
A talented carpenter by trade, Richard’s craftsmanship left a lasting legacy. Alongside his wife, he owned a golf course, dairy farm, and racehorses. Richard’s dedication extended to his community, by raising and donating chickens to the church for their annual Chicken Fry.
Richard had a remarkable ability to bring people together, and his laughter was often the bond that united his family. His sense of humor and lightheartedness turned ordinary moments into cherished memories, creating an atmosphere of love and joy wherever he went.
He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like horseback riding and playing cornhole, but his greatest pride was his family. His unconditional love for his wife, children and grandchildren was unparalleled. Known for his selfless nature, Richard was always ready to lend a helping hand without expecting anything in return, quietly living his life as a true servant of God.
A member of St. Catherine Catholic Church, Richard always did the Lord’s work, embodying the values of kindness, humility, and service to others.
In addition to his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Richard is survived by his children, Richard (Kristi) Marken of Bell Buckle, TN, Gene (Sharlene) Marken of Spring Hill, TN, Mike (Michele) Marken of San Diego, CA, Mary Marken of Mt. Pleasant, TN, his cherished grandchildren, Shelby (Josh) Borem, Richard Marken, II, Amanda Marken, Braden Marken, Kalea Marken, and Cole Marken, and one great grandchild on the way. Richard also leaves behind his brother, John Marken of Florida, sisters, Sherry Bowman of Michigan, Vickey (Keith) Akers of Culleoka, TN, Robin (Gary) Hoover of Michigan, brothers in law, Ben (Vicki) Holland, Paul White, and Roy Francis.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jordan Marken, siblings, Joyce White, Joan Heley, Don Marken, Ted Marken, Georgia Currier, Peggy Francis, and brothers in law, Gary Bowman and Don Currier.
Those proudly serving as pallbearers will be Richard Marken, Gene Marken, Mike Marken, Richard Marken, II, Paul White, Ben Holland, Braden Marken, and Cole Marken.
Richard’s life was a blessing, and his legacy of love, laughter, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
