Michael D. Marlow

          Michael Duane Marlow, 73, of Salt Lick, KY passed away after a short, hard fought illness on Saturday March 18, 2023 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lexington, KY.

          Mike was a dedicated husband of 52 years to his wife, Ina Faye Ellis Marlow whom he met while showcasing his well known amazing roller skating skills at the Roller Rink in Salt Lick. He was a loving father to his two daughters: Micah Craig of Owingsville, KY and Kymberlee Amber Marlow of Salt Lick, KY, and he thought the world of his beloved and “favorite” son-in-law, Jimmy Craig of Owingsville, KY. He was an immensely proud grandfather of Lexie Craig of Owingsville, KY and Aidan Marlow of Salt Lick, KY and utilized every effort to show his relentless support of their every endeavor and attempted to instill his great moral compass in their upbringing. A devoted and private family man, Mike served proudly as being the family patriarch of the Marlow family that assisted in the care of his beloved mother during her failing health and passing. He was a Vietnam combat wounded Purple Heart veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army when Uncle Sam came to call a month after his high school in 1969 – 1970 as a member of D Troop 17th Armored Calvary Division and the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Mike was affectionately known as the “Candy Man” who always had some candy in his pocket at Mudlick Church Of God in Olympia, KY where he enjoyed the fellowship of the church members. Growing up as an avid hunter, he along with the other male members in the family, helped put food on his family’s table. As a mischievous youth he and his siblings were known to often partake in many adventures while their parents were away at work, such as sending up smoke signals while playing cowboys and Indians, shooting himself in the foot while trying out his gun slinging skills and packing multiple buckets of water inside to convert the kitchen into a Slip N Slide. While in high school he earned the nickname of “Hot Rod” for his heavy foot and love for fast cars that he often drag raced. He loved playing multiple sports while growing up as well as partaking in a few competitive games of horseshoes and the family favorite, but very rough, “Barnyard Ball” where there was no point in calling a foul because those things just didn’t exist in this game. He was a gardening guru that had no tolerance for weeds in his garden from which he freely and frequently shared with friends and family. Those on Old River Road, where he resided, knew him to be a lawn mowing enthusiast that liked things in Marlow Hollow to look immaculate at all times.

          Growing up in a close knit family, Mike was taught the value of a hard work ethic and the importance of looking out after your family. He was a hard working man who wore several career hats until injuries sustained during the war made it where he couldn’t work anymore. His first job was working with his father and big brother at Ruth Brothers. He helped to build the Cave Run Dam during it’s early years of construction and worked for the Army Corp Of Engineers. He worked at Hobarts, A.O. Smith and at the Avon station. He worked with a fantastic and fun survey team with the Kentucky Department Of Transportation for many years and formed many lifelong friendships throughout that work experience. His final working experience, before pain and injuries obtained during the war limited him, was with the Swartz family doing concrete work where he helped pour the concrete for the Covington Airport and exit ramps for the I64/I75 split in Lexington, KY.

          He was preceded in death by his father, James Elmer Marlow (Junior), his mother, Ruby Lois Crouch Marlow, his brother, Kenneth Lilburn Marlow and a nephew, Bradley Allen Marlow.

          Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Ina Ellis Marlow, daughters, Micah (Jimmy) Craig of Owingsville, KY and Amber Marlow of Salt Lick, KY. He was adored and will be greatly missed by his two grandchildren, Lexie Craig of Owingsville, KY and Aidan Marlow of Salt Lick, KY. Also surviving are two loving sisters, Gail Marlow Easton and Donna Marlow Crouch, a brother-in-law that was very much a brother to him, Lenny Crouch all of Salt Lick, KY. He had many other in-laws that will miss him as well, such as his mother-in-law, Pauline Brown of Sharkey, KY, Betty June Marlow of Salt Lick, KY, Kim (Tony) Jones of Wallingford, KY, Valarie Jolly Salt Lick, KY, Danny (Nancy) Ellis of Lexington, KY, Jamie (Lisa) Brown of Morehead, KY, Patty Brown of Morehead, KY and Sheila Fletcher of Bastrap, LA. He also leaves behind several special nieces, nephews, cousins and one special neighbor.

          Funeral arrangements are under the care of Powell Funeral Home, Salt Lick, KY.

          Visitation will be Thursday March 23, 2023 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Mudlick First Church Of God. A private family graveside service will be conducted Friday March 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Marlow Family Cemetery with Rev. Mark Caldwell officiating. Military Honors will be given by Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126 Honor Guard.

          Serving as Pallbearers will be: Jimmy Craig, Aidan Marlow, Lenny Crouch, Ray Reffitt, Chris Easton, Todd Jolly, Jamie Brown and Tyler Calvert.

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