Mildred M. MARCUM

MARCUM Mildred M. Mildred M. Marcum, co-founder and matriarch of ARCA, passed away Monday, January 9, 2012, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, just three days after celebrating her 98th birthday with her family. Her career in motorsports began in the mid-1940's and spanned eight different decades including working in the ARCA office on her birthday Friday. Mildred was born in Hubbard, Oregon on January 6, 1914, to John and Lydia Schoen before moving to Toledo, Ohio in 1916. She worked at the Toledo Jeep Plant on the factory assembly line during World War II. It was during that time that she met her future husband, John Marcum. After several years of racing involvement, John and Mildred organized the Ohio Auto Racing Association, (OARA) in the early 50's and then the Midwest Association for Race Cars (MARC), which later evolved into Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). Mildred was also a member of the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame and received the first ever Mildred Marcum Pioneer Award in 2005, awarded annually by the Lyn St. James Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Marcum; as well as one son-in-law, Bob Drager. Survivors include daughter, Suzanne Drager; grandchildren John (Colleen) Drager, Jim (Tessie) Drager, Ron Drager, Valerie Drager; great-grandchildren Zachary (Jaclyn), Erin, Lindsey, Grant, Amber and Leigh Drager. Visitation will be Thursday, January 12 from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Friday, January 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Bennett Funeral Services, 14567 S. Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan. Funeral services will be Friday, 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jerry Stewart, Chaplain of Toledo Speedway and Flat Rock Speedway officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle, Michigan. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Christian Fellowship. On line condolences: bennettfuneralservice.com