Marlin Wilson Launius' Obituary
Marlin Wilson Launius, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed into his eternal rest on December 23, 2021 at the age of 91. Marlin was born in Sheridan, Arkansas to Quincy and Bertha Pugh Launius who preceded him in death. He graduated from Henderson State Teachers’ College in 1952 where he was a member of The Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity and the R.O.T.C. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1957 as an air traffic controller.
Marlin moved to Dallas in 1957 and was employed by Texas Instruments, Inc. at the original Lemmon Avenue plant as an electronics technician and retired from the Texas Instruments research and development department on North Central Expressway In 1992 after 35 years.
He married the love of his life, Bernice Rosemarie Launius on July 1, 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church, Dallas, and became a member of the church. At Zion, Marlin served as an elder and chairman of the board of social ministry. He also served as a VNA Meals-on-Wheels coordinator and loved delivering meals for more than 20 years.
Marlin was an active member of the Zion Lutheran School PTL. He organized the Cub Scout pack at Zion and served as its Cub Master. He was instrumental in bringing Boy Scout Troop 106 to Zion and served as its committee chairman. He enjoyed camping with his two sons and the other Scouts and spending one week each summer at Camp Texoma with the troop. Marlin was a Boy Scout while growing up in Arkansas and it was with great pride that he saw his sons become Eagle Scouts.
In his Hillside Village neighborhood, he helped organize the crime watch and the Volunteers in Patrol. He served on the transportation committee to oversee proper beautification and safety of the DART light rail line construction.
Upon retirement, Marlin and Bernice enjoyed trips and activities of the Texas Instruments Alumni Association, Zion Lutheran Senior Fellowship Club, and memberships in the Dallas Arboretum and the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. They also enjoyed volunteering at the C. C. Young Retirement Center through the Shepherd’s Club. Marlin loved working in his yard and will be greatly missed by his family and his constant companion cat, Tigger.
Marlin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bernice Rosemarie Launius and their sons, Kirk David Launius of Dallas; Dr. Brian Wilson Launius and daughter-in-law, Caryn of St. Mary’s, Ohio; granddaughter, Hannah Glenn Launius and grandson, Samuel Slade Launius of Tucson, Arizona. He is also survived by his brother- and sister-in-law, Paul and Louima Strucely; sister-in-law, Lauren Kay Strucely; and many nieces and nephews.
Plans for a celebration of life service are pending. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Visiting Nurse Association Meals-on-Wheels Program.
What’s your fondest memory of Marlin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marlin?
Share a story where Marlin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marlin you’ll never forget.
How did Marlin make you smile?