Claude E. Marley, age 91, of Frankfort, died at Wesley Manor on December 10, 2020.
Mr. Marley was born in Indianapolis on April 26, 1929, to Fred Clarence and Nellie Mae (Smith) Marley, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were six brothers (Walter, Joe, Floyd “Mike,” John, Albert, and Herbert) and two sisters (Anna Mae Pride and Dorothy Stergar).
On November 12, 1964, Mr. Marley married Mary Ellen Kelsey in Indianapolis, and the couple celebrated 56 years of marriage shortly before his death. Mrs. Marley survives her husband.
A 1948 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, Mr. Marley served as a corporal on active duty in the United States Army from 1952-1954 and in the United States Army Reserves from 1954-1960. He retired in 1986 from Thomas & Betts after having also worked at American United Life, H. P. Wasson and Company, and Burger Chef Systems.
A resident of Lebanon for 25 years, Mr. Marley moved with his wife to Frankfort in September 2005 after having lived for 13 years in Daytona Beach, Florida. He and Mrs. Marley attended Frankfort Bible Holiness Church. In his years as a Floridian, Mr. Marley was a member of Daytona Beach Baptist Church, where he and his wife served as directors of the senior citizens’ “Young at Heart” ministry and as hosts to numerous college students whom they entertained in their home.
In addition to his beloved wife, Mr. Marley is survived by 5 nieces and nephews: Becky Moffit Gillan of Crawfordsville; Paul (wife, Linda) Kelsey of Monrovia; Carolyn (husband, Greg) Kelsey Smith of Indianapolis; Michael (wife, Julie) Stergar of Lebanon; and Susan (husband, Dave) Stergar Sheets of Shelbyville; and 15 additional nieces and nephews.
Mr. Marley was an avid flower gardener, euchre player, and traveler. He and Mary Ellen traveled to all fifty states and to countries on three continents, and they valued trips to all of the state parks in Indiana just as much as they appreciated the most exotic of their world travels. The Marley household was always filled with guests for meals and overnight visits, and Mr. Marley loved nothing more than time spent talking, laughing, playing games, and eating desserts (but not chocolate) with his wife, family, and friends.
Due to safety concerns related to COVID-19, a private, live-stream funeral service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Pastor Mark Mowery and Dr. David T. Fry will officiate. The service may be viewed at www. gendafuneralhome.com.
The family of Mr. Marley extends its gratitude to all healthcare workers at Wesley Manor and to Guardian Angels Hospice for their gentle caregiving during his last months of life. The family also thanks Pastor Mowery, Dr. David T. Fry, and the many members of the Frankfort Bible Holiness Church who have offered Mr. and Mrs. Marley the gift of loving friendship during the past 15 years.
Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.