Charles "Ken" Kenneth Marlow

Charles “Ken” Marlow

Loved Spending Time With His Family -

Charles “Ken” Marlow, age 74, of Iowa City, IA,  was taken home by God on Saturday, July 23, 2016, in Mechanicsburg, PA while returning from a vacation with his wife.  Ken was born on Monday, October 27, 1941 in Port St. Joe, FL to the late Charles Franklin Marlow and Pearl Maryellen (Graham) Marlow.  In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by his brother, Jim Marlow.

Ken’s survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Edna “Eddi” Belle (Stear) Marlow, whom he married in Washington state on November 23, 1975; his five children: Kristal and her husband, Craig, of Iowa City, IA, Robert J. Marlow and his wife, Liz, of Germantown, TN, Barbara Vassar, Terri Marlow, Chuck Marlow; his six  grandchildren; his two siblings: Robert Marlow and his wife, Cathy, Lynn Coble and her husband, Tom, both of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.

Ken served in the United States Navy for 24 years, retiring as a senior chief, after a proud and fulfilling career specializing in anti-submarine warfare; he served in the pacific area of operations.  After about 12 years into his retirement, Ken decided he wanted another career.  He obtained his BSN from the University of Tennessee in Memphis.  From there, Ken started his nursing career at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  He always had enjoyed teaching and in his later years, he was able to teach LPN courses in both Iowa and Tennessee.  When Ken wasn’t working, teaching, or traveling, he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren; whether it was supporting them at their music or sporting events, or trying to out-fish one another in the pond.  He had a deep love for Eddi, his children, and his grandchildren.  Ken was a believer in his Lord and his tried his very best to live everyday as a Christian.

All are welcome to join Ken’s family at his graveside service on Monday, August 8, 2016, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Rock Island National Cemetery, guests are invited to meet at the funeral home, Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, 2720 Muscatine Ave, Iowa City, Iowa 52240, by 8:40 a.m. in order to travel in procession.  A gathering of family and friends will follow the graveside service from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center, 2401 Scott Boulevard, Iowa City, IA, where a light meal will be served.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Ken’s life can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.StJude.org.