Dr. Marlin O. Cherry, of Spring, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2022. Marlin was born on January 22, 1929 in Dierks, Arkansas where he was also raised. He attended Dierks schools in his childhood and graduated from Dierks High School in 1947. After completing high school Marlin initially attended Quachita Baptist University in Arkansas on a football scholarship, but upon his family's move to Nacogdoches, Texas from Arkansas he enrolled and attended classes at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1952. From 1952 through 1954, Marlin served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea for fourteen months during the Korean War.

Upon his return to the United States from Korea, he married the love of his life, Sadie Corbell, in August of 1955 and began a career in education. He began his teaching career at Texas City High School in Texas City, Texas followed by a brief stint at South Houston High School in Pasadena, Texas. Marlin received a Masters of Education degree from Stephan F. Austin University in 1960 and in June of 1961 he became one of the first faculty members of San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas. He started in the initial year of the college and taught biology in the early years. Marlin received a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Houston in 1978. He progressed from being a biology instructor to becoming the provost and Vice-Chancellor of Instruction from 1981 until his retirement in 1995. Throughout his career in education, Marlin received numerous awards, certificates, and honors. He published two biology lab manuals which were used at the college for years.

Marlin and Sadie moved to Deer Park, Texas in 1961 and raised their two sons, Blair and Scot. While in Deer Park, they joined First Baptist Church where Marlin became a Sunday school teacher and deacon and they were active members from 1962 until 1991. Marlin was very active in the community serving in many organizations and on many boards. He was a charter member and one of the founders of the Deer Park Rotary Club in 1966, serving as the president in 1967-1968. He was the president of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce in 1990 and was a leader of the Deer Park Businessmen's Prayer Breakfast from April 1985 to October 1990. Dr. Cherry was a Mason from 1950 until his death and he was very proud of the service pin he received in 2020 for 70 years of service. He was a past president of the San Jacinto Shrine Club, serving in that capacity in both 1972 and 1980.

Upon his retirement from San Jacinto College in 1995, Marlin and Sadie moved to Spring, Texas. They became members of the Spring Baptist Church where he subsequently would help with teaching Bible class. Marlin and Sadie had many precious memories of their time at the church and the many friendships they formed there.

Dr. Cherry had many hobbies that he enjoyed throughout his life. He was an avid quail hunter and enjoyed the company of the many hunting dogs he had. Marlin loved gardening, fishing, watching westerns and college football when the Razorbacks were playing, researching his genealogy, and spending time with family and friends. He was a devout husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a mentor to many. Above all, he was a devout Christian serving God and the churches he was a member of in any way he could.

Marlin is survived by his beautiful and caring wife of 67 years, Sadie Cherry; his two sons Blair Cherry and wife Belinda and Scot Cherry and wife Tricia; his grandchildren Amy Staines, Ashley Cherry, Alexandra Ibarra, Aubrey Cherry, John Paul Carinhas, and Connor Cherry; his great-grandchildren Dylan Rodriguez, Zander Staines, Claire Staines, Zoe Fuentes, Hendrix Ibarra, and Hayes Ibarra; his sister Vivian Farmer; his sister-in-law Tommie Cherry.

Marlin was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Cherry and Chlora Pearl Beane Cherry; brother Dean Cherry; sister Alma Mabry; and brothers-in-law Bill Mabry and Thomas Farmer.

A visitation and viewing for Dr. Cherry will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2020 at 10:00 am at Spring Baptist Church, 633 E. Louetta Rd., Spring, TX 77373 with a memorial service following the visitation which will also be at the church beginning at 11:00 am. Dr. Cherry will be buried in Lockesburg, Arkansas with a graveside service on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Wrights Chapel Cemetery in Lockesburg, Arkansas. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Spring Baptist Church, 633 E. Louetta Rd., Spring, TX 77373 or Wrights Chapel Cemetery Perpetual Care and Maintenance Fund, P.O. Box 261, Lockesburg, AR 71846.