Marlyn C. Rooker died on Monday, July 25, 2016 at the age of 90. Marlyn was born in Ennis, Texas on June 16, 1926, to J. C. and Margaret Rooker. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1944, and continued his education at the University of Texas until he was called into service with the US Air Force. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He married Marjorie Bus in Ennis, Texas on November 18, 1950 and they lived in Spokane, Washington and Topeka, Kansas where he was stationed. After his discharge, they lived in Dallas and Abilene, Texas before moving to Midland. They have been Midland residents for almost 60 years.Marlyn was employed with Crum and Forster Insurance Company as an auditor for 35 years, traveling throughout West Texas. He was considered an oilfield specialist in regard to insurance matters and retired in 1989. He has been an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church since 1957, and has served as a Lay Leader and Eucharistic Minister to the Hospital and Homebound parishioners for many years. He is an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.He enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling many miles to watch his children and grandchildren participate in their numerous sports and musical activities. He also was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed baking kolaches, an art taught to him by his Czech mother-in-law. His children dubbed him “King of the Kolaches.” With his wife, he traveled extensively throughout the US and the world, visiting all 7 of the Continents.Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, A. A. (Sonny) Rooker. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie and four children, his two daughters, Jeanne Bohan and her husband Charlie of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Karen Rachal and her husband Dr. Lindy Rachal of Fredericksburg, Texas, his two sons, David Rooker and wife Kathy of Oklahoma City, and Chris Rooker and his wife Laura of Fort Worth, Texas. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, David Manaugh of Edmond, Oklahoma, Melissa Schmitz and husband Everett of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Garrett Rachal and wife Jessica of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Matthew Rachal of Dallas, Texas, Aubrey Daly and husband Khal of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Emily Rooker and Natalie Rooker both of Austin, Texas, Caleb, Emma and Mary Elizabeth Rooker of Fort Worth, Texas and 7 great-grandchildren, Ammy, Bradley and Dexter Manaugh of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Madeline, Abby, Finn and Blake Schmitz of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.Marlyn felt very grateful to have lived a long and blessed life and now awaits his family to join him in heaven.A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Friday, July 29, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday July 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., also at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
