Keith W. Marlow

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University of Maryland

Keith Marlow Obituary

Keith W. Marlow

Keith W. Marlow

passed away at his home in Grand Junction, CO on July 1, 2019 at age 90. Keith was born near Madison, KS to Marcus and Erma Marlow. He graduated from Sterling High School and then attended Sterling College in Sterling, KS for 2 years before transferring to Kansas State in Manhattan, KS graduating with a bachelor's degree in physics. He received a Ph.D in Nuclear Physics from the University of Maryland. His thesis is entitled "The Radioactive Decay of SE 83". Keith worked for the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. for 33 years before moving to Albuquerque, NM and working at Sandia National Laboratory, and consulting before retiring in 2014. He received numerous honors and awards during his career of 63 years, including the Intelligence Community Seal Medallion in 2000. It was presented to Dr. Marlow for "sustained, superior performance of duty of high value that distinctly benefits the interest of the United States and is directly related to the mission of the Intelligence Community". Keith was married to Betty (Warren) Marlow for 66 years and they had 3 children. They moved to Grand Junction, CO in June 2016. Keith was predeceased by his loving wife Betty, their son Kevin, brother Darold Marlow and sister Maxine Hayes. He is survived by daughter Susan Marlow (Guy Sandusky), daughter April Marlow (Thomas Temple), sister Shirley Reese (John), brother John Hazard (Sharon) and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations may be made in his name to Hilltop Senior Daybreak (www.htop.org) or A Warrior's Oasis (www.awarriorsoasis.org).

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Published by Albuquerque Journal on Jul. 14, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Marlow

6 Entries

Tom Laub

June 30, 2025

I still think about Keith and remember him fondly from my years at Sandia.

Tom Laub

June 30, 2020

I still think about Keith every so often. He was always cheerful and was always a pleasure to see. He vitality, even late in life is an inspiration to me now that I am retired. I hope to emulate him and be cheerful and active.

Lisa Saleski

August 2, 2019

I will always remember my youthful adventures in Holland, largely due to the shining influence of the Marlow family. I met Susie Marlow, at The American International School of The Hague, during the 1967 school year. We became fast friends, and my subsequent visits to her family's home were a delight and an inspiration. I felt very welcome there, and it was clear to me, even at a very young age, that the Marlow family projected the kind of image that everyone aspires to be: warm, loving, nonjudgmental, and inclusive. Our European adventure was short-lived, but I visited Susie's new home in Maryland, when we were all back in the US. The summer of 1968 was one of the happiest of my life, as the Marlow family, once again, welcomed me into their home. I must confess, that Mr. Marlow's mid-forties persona is the one I will remember. That is the last time that I saw the entire family together, and they will remain that way, safe within in my heart, forever.

Debbie Meier (killian)

August 2, 2019

I grew up with Sue, Keith's daughter. She and I were best buds and have stayed in touch even to this day. Keith and Betty were the rare parents that this teenager really loved. Most parents are, well, parents, not people a 16 year old would want to be around . They were different. I remember my visits to sue's house and how much I enjoyed seeing and talking to her mom and dad. I didnt just go over there to play with sue, I went over there to see her mom and dad! They were so very special and I am deeply saddened by their passing. We have lost two gentle sweet people. My heart goes out to his family. Just know they made a positive impact on this kid and were treasured.

Tom Laub

July 8, 2019

Keith was truly a unique person. I met Keith at Sandia National Laboratory as a young and inexperienced physicist. Keith was a mentor to me both in my professional career and in my personal life. As his obituary says, Keith was always pleasant and down to earth in his dealings and advice. I will miss him.

Keith & Betty Marlow 2004

Dr. Rich Anderson, Capt USN (ret)

July 7, 2019

Keith was truly an unsung American hero because the work he was involved in was highly classified and vital to the security of the United States. Unsung heroes works behind the scenes and in obscurity. He could not discuss his endeavors, research and inventions but the results of his discoveries were extremely needed to track and verify nuclear material. History will discover his large contribution to the defense of America. Keith was a friend and skiing mate for two decades as I joined him in many ski adventures. Keith will be missed for his professionalism, humanity and for his friendship.

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