Biography

Marion was born October, 7, 1924 at Flandreau, South Dakota to Harry and Sylvia (Parsley) Smith. He attended elementary school while living in Flanreau and then moved to Junction City, Oregon where he graduated from high school. Marion served in the Merchant Marines during WWII.

Marion married Maxine Burris on August 19, 1949 in Eugene, Oregon. They lived in Oregon for a few years where Marion worked in the logging industry. In 1954, they moved to Sioux Falls raised two children, Sharon and Richard. Marion was a supervisor with Sweetman Construction for 31 years. Marion was 84 when passed away August 19, 2009 at the Avera McKennan Hospital on his 60th wedding anniversary.

Marion was a member of Hilltop United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge, Legion of Honor, El Riad Shrine, Scottish Rites and the American Legion Post in Valley Springs. He was a saxophone player with several groups in the area including the Gale Pifer Band, Lennox Municipal Band, Wally Jerome Orchestra, and the Danny Kealy Orchestra. Marion had his own band, “Smitty’s Combo”, for a time and played in several bands while he lived on the west coast as well.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine; two children, Sharon (Francis) Hess and Richard (Judith) Smith, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren and a great granddaughter; and a sister, Beryl Duncan of Brandon. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold and Eldrad.

Memorials may be directed to the El Riad Shriners Hospital Fund.

Visitation

Friday August 21, 2009, 5-7 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home
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Memorial Service

Saturday August 22, 2009, 11 am at Hilltop Methodist Church
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