Marlin Pitchford

Marlin Keith Pitchford, age 77, went to meet his Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, on December 30, 2018. He graduated high school from Gallia Academy, earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Rio Grande and a Master's Degree from Marshall University. Marlin started his career as a teacher and administrator at Newark High School. He also worked for United Way as an addictions director in Newark, OH, worked for Marywood College in Scranton, PA as a faculty administrator and was also the executive director for the Regional Council of Alcoholism in Lima, OH. Lastly, he worked at the Alcohol Drug Addiction Services Board as the executive director in Canton, OH. Marlin was a faithful member of Grace Church. He dedicated his life to public service, serving as President of Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship. He also served as chairman of the United Way state board in Ohio and pioneered early drug and alcohol addiction policies. He was a board of elections poll worker and presiding judge. Marlin shared his faith and wisdom as a bible study leader throughout his life. He will be remembered for his love of family, kind smile, and unwavering faith. His grandchildren filled his life with pride and joy. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Pitchford, and son, Mathew Keith Pitchford. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen M Pitchford (Widmer); Children, Marlena (Tony) Stechschulte, Marshal (Allison) Pitchford, Kristin (Ryan) Schmidt, and Karrie (Joshua) Dobie; grandchildren, Jonathan, Christianne (Tim), Preston, Anna, Pryce, Piper, Porter, Camdyn, Lachlan, Corinne, and Elias; great grandson Alistair; brother Harlan (Linda) Pitchford. Calling hours will be 6-8 Thursday Jan.3, 2018 at Grace Church, Bath Campus, 754 Ghent Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio. Funeral service will be 10 am Friday at the church, with calling hours an hour prior. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Church, Celebrate Recovery Ministry.