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Marlin McKeever Obituary
Kathleen O'Guin, director of public relations and marketing at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, said McKeever died at the hospital with his family at his bedside.
McKeever fell at his home late Tuesday, and was hospitalized Wednesday with a blood clot on his brain.
McKeever was a fullback, defensive end and punter at USC from 1958-60, and was the Trojans' leading receiver in his junior and senior years. But he was mainly known for his work at linebacker, and that's where he played in the NFL.
A first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams, McKeever played from 1961-66 and 1971-72 with the Rams, in 1967 with the Minnesota Vikings, from 1968-70 with the Washington Redskins, and in 1973 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was later a stock broker and insurance executive.
McKeever's twin brother, Mike, also was a star at USC, playing left guard. Mike McKeever died in 1967 of head injuries from an automobile accident after spending 22 months in a coma. He also had a blood clot on his brain.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
55 Entries
Michael Jackson, Jr
May 7, 2025
Thank You!! Thank You!! Trojan Mr Marlin McKeever for all of the great humanitarian, to shared personal experiences, although we were generations a part & of our beloved University of Southern California with the Trojan Football rolling. For 2 seasons I was lucky enough to have met with you, and talk with you on the sidelines each home game watching #11 #5 #45 #21 #18 & squad & coaching staff. I still treasure. appreciate and instill the poisitivities you shared with me to others to this day in 2025. I'm also thankful for the entire McKeever family and the connections to their Father's contributions in caring for all. Many blessings!! Trojan MJ 1988-90
Vicki Borjes
January 23, 2021
I met Mac back in the 80's in Paso Robles CA. My mom and he were friends. She was a bartender at the Black Oak Lounge he was a bartender at the Rodeo. I remember thats how I got one of my fav football teams (rams) because of him. I was just repeating what I knew of him which got me to look him up. Sad to see he had passed. I have fond memories of him. Thanks Mac!!
richard m. warne
December 10, 2009
As a kid my favorite team was the L.A. Ram's. Marlin McKeever was the linebacker #86. Why is it so impossible to find photo's of him in action? For those of us who new him this way; a good tribut. Shocked and sad to learn of his death.
richard m. warne
December 10, 2009
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Jeff Lemmon
April 26, 2009
Fifteen years ago, I was in an orange county Ca. hospital for a couple weeks. Marlin and I were sharing the room. Having grown up in So. Cal. I knew who Marlin was as soon as he introduced himself "all of us kids knew the Rams in those days" Marlin and I had several at length conversations about everything under the sun - childhood CYO sports, politics, you name it. Later I would run into him in Long Beach a few times and we would catch up with each others lives. Even though he was seventeen or so years older than I, we had lots in common. Marlin was a class act and I am lucky to have known him...
God Bless You Marlin - Rest in Peace.
Judy and Bernie Gouveia
December 24, 2008
We were sorry to hear about Marlin's death and our condolences to his entire family. We enjoyed spending time on a Caribbean cruise with Marlin and his wife Sue. At the end of the cruise we felt we had known them for years. He will be missed...
Bill Lovelace
December 7, 2008
I will miss all of the fantastic times I had with Marlin. We had so many great conversations at Phil Trani's.
Bill & Sue Lovelace
ELLIOTT SCHWARTZ
April 14, 2008
I'm there for you and Judy. I visit you on campus as often as I can.
I miss your visits at work.
Danny Enciso
January 21, 2008
Marlin, I just want to wish you a very Happy Birthday. I miss and love ya. Your cous,
Lori (Toliver) Amster
November 23, 2007
I was reflecting on some memories of my childhood Thanksgivings this year and remembering the huge dinners we would have, and among the guests was Marlin Mckeever. I "Googled" him and learned of his passing. My parents, George and Betty Toliver, knew his parents and through them, knew him and his brothers. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My parents often reminisced of their time in L.A. and they always spoke of Marlin fondly-especially my father.
steve bandy
September 16, 2007
i had the privledge of meeting Marlin at the restaurant where i worked. he was such a kind and respectful man. it was an honor
Jan Fladeboe
September 12, 2007
I was saddened to recently learn of the passing of Marlin McKeever last year. I was overseas at the time and didn't hear about it. I grew up in South Dakota, but rooted for the Trojans and remember the McKeever brothers. I kept a scrapbook as a kid and have a publicity shot of the two brothers attacking a blocking dummy. They epitomized hard-nosed football. I followed his pro career, and was glad when he played for my Vikings. He was a strong alumus and great ambasssador for USC and college football. I hope that his family is doing well and know that he is not forgotten.
Kenneth Cooper
September 9, 2007
At junior high school age a bunch of us played semi-organized sports, vied for the same girlfriends, and experienced a whole variety of activities, all set up by an excellent organization run by the L.A.P.D., The D.A.P.s. I remember both Marlin and Mike as the best of the bunch playing our informal basketball games over at the gym at University High School. But even then, when so many of us were so self involved, Mike and Marlin always seemed to express a level of confidence that set them a step above the rest of us. They weren't just good in sports, they were always the proverbial, "good sports". I was somewhat uncoordinated and never one of the best players, but both Mike and Marlin made me like I was just as important as everyone else on the team. I was certainly proud of them as I followed their football experiences in later years, and was sincerely saddened by the early loss of Mike. Now they're back together again and I suspect they've been assigned the responsibility of showing everyone else up there just exactly what fairness and good sportsmanship is all about.
Bob Harjung
June 19, 2007
I met Marlin in South Bend, IN. He was at the College Football Hall of Fame, on a few occasions. He was giving his time. We talked at length about USC and Notre Dame. I grew up in the LA area. We talked about that too. He was a good man. God Bless Him.
Dustin McKeever
February 26, 2007
i feel the pain
George Brucato
February 6, 2007
Athletes are not respected for all that they accomplish. Nor are they respected for all of the hard work that they do. I am here somehow to pay some of those respects. God- Speed Mr. McKeever
David McKeever
January 16, 2007
I am Marlin's third child of four: My name is David. I am deeply touched by the entries submitted on this site. I want everyone to know that each has been read and cherished by my family. And, although I have spoken to some of the people who have writen the entries since my father's death, there are many more with whom I'd love to share memories. Perhaps that will happen in the future.
Again, thank you for the wonderful thoughts!
Ron Erickson
December 5, 2006
On several occaslions in Orange County I was privelaged to speak with Marlin informally. He was a true gentleman, always a supporter, and someone who never met a stranger. I thank God for allowing him to make an impact in my life.
(Notre Dame H.S. '60)
John Coates
December 4, 2006
So sorry to hear aboout Marlin's tragic death. I grew up in Santa Monica, and drove the twins to school in 1954 - 1955. I was on the track team with them in '55. I hadn't seen him since then, but got in touch with him a year ago via Classmates.com. What a great shock and agreat loss.
John Coates
Mt. Carmel '55
Randall Woodruff
December 3, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marlin's family, especially our dear friend, Judy. Please know we are thinking of you in this terrible time.
Kevin Kearns
November 12, 2006
11/12/06
I hade the honor to meet Marlin Mckeever recently at Crespi HIgh School. He was my boyhood idol. My sympathy to your family.
Kevin Kearns
FRANK HERRERA
November 10, 2006
Our condolences to the McKeever family from Frank & Sylvia Herrera
Mt Carmel class of 1960
Joe Somoza
November 9, 2006
I worked with Marlin back in 1967 in the beer industry he was a terrific salesman and a really nice guy. I remember my father taking me as an eleven year old in 1955 to see Mt.Carmel H.S play El Rancho H.S. in Pico Rivera and Marlin and Mike dominated the whole game that night. They were great football players and I looked up to them from that day on.
God Bless them both now that they are once again together in heaven.
Nicole Cruz
November 8, 2006
I had the pleasure of working with Marlin over the last 2+ years. Whether he was practicing his Spanish or reminding me that Free Cell is a much better game than Solitaire, he was always in a good mood... always Marlin. Our office will miss him as a co-worker, a friend and even more importantly as an inspiration. May God bless his family.
Dave and Kathy Hoenisch
November 8, 2006
The loss felt by your family and friends may fade over time but never cease to part of their life without you. You will be missed by all whose life you have touch. Our sincerest sympathy is extended to all especially your wife, Judy and your children.
Bob Koprivica Jr. & Family, Jennifer Koprivica Shea & Family
November 6, 2006
To The Entire McKeever Family,
Our hearts our heavy learning of the loss of Marlin.
Our sympathy and love go out to all of you.
Marlin was a wonderful,genuine person who our entire family loved.
The childhood memories that we have traveling from Montana each year to attend one of his games are treasured within our hearts.
May his Memory be Eternal!
With Sympathy and Blessings,
Lillie Easterling (Ariss)
November 4, 2006
To the McKeever Family: So sorry! We had many good times in Corona del Mar. My prayers and love to the whole family. He is in God's care along with David, Jr.
Kathy Ariss Amick
November 4, 2006
To the McKeevers - I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of our time together growing up in Newport Beach and campaigning for your dad. Please know that we are praying for you.
Bob Aguilar
November 4, 2006
I would just like to express my condolences to the McKeever family. Although I never had the privelege of meeting Marlin in person, every day I would pass beneath his framed portrait and that of his brother Mike, which on the Wall of Fame at the Kappa Alpha Mansion at USC. "Eternal rest grant unto him Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him." Fratres usque ad aram fidelis.
Sharon Metoyer
November 3, 2006
The last time I spoke with Marlin was in the Valverde Construction, Inc. office after his meeting with Joe Valverde less than a month ago. We spoke shortly and, as always, Marlin was his high energy, sincere & friendly self.
Marlin, you took good care of our insurance needs, big guy! Now in the hands of the real Big Guy... keep Him smiling... I know you will have great stories to tell.
Prayers and sincerest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers... this world's loss is heaven's gain.
Rich Chew
November 3, 2006
God bless you, Marlin. Many of us from Mt. Carmel looked to you and your brother, Mike, as inspirational role models.
As you are re-united with your twin, our prayers and thoughts are for you and your family.
You will live on in the hearts and minds of your fellow Mt. Carmel alumni.
Rich Chew, Mt. Carmel LA, Class of 1966
Ruth Herrera-Meade
November 3, 2006
To the Family of Marlin McKeever,
Although I did not know Marlin as well as my 7 brothers did, I grew up with the "McKeever's" being a household name. I had the priviledge of meeting Marlin at the last Carmel reunion and at the USC Alumni pregames. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, we have lost a great soul, and he will surely be missed but never forgotten.
Ron Meade
November 3, 2006
Our sincere condolences from Casa Herrera Inc.
Rudy Herrera
November 3, 2006
Mt Carmel Class 1976
gloria rothschild
October 31, 2006
I've thought of all you Mckeever kids a zillion times since I heard the tragic news ....I will be praying for the whole family as you honor your father on his journey back to God. there is comfort in knowing we will all meet up again. I'm a phone call away.much love, gloria rothschild
Andrew Henczak
October 31, 2006
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I'm sure you loved him as a husband and father and felt pride in the years of joy he gave to his sport and fans.
Elliott Oliver Class of 70 MCHS
October 31, 2006
To the McKeever family,
I know the pain of losing a father and my deepest sympathy to the family at this time. I also graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and had the honor of meeting Marlin at an alumni event on St. Patrick's Day this past year. You have reached the "peaceful shores's my friend, save me a place at your table.
God bless you and your family always.
Daniel McDonald
October 31, 2006
Marlin was my confirmation sponsor in January of 1963 at St. Emydius Catholic Church in Lynwwod California. Mike and Marlin were my inspiration to go to Mt. Carmel High School in 1964. I graduated from Mt. Carmel in 1968. I played 4 years of football at Mt. Carmel and then went to USC, following in the twins footsteps from high school to college. I graduated from USC in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Business. I got to see Marlin and visit with him in 1982 at a Marden Susco golf tournament at the Green River country club in Corona, CA. I think Marlin and Denny Marden had been friends for many years. I got to visit with Marlin and talk about USC and Mt. Carmel. He had given me his business card but I had lost it and am very sorry I never got to talk with him again. I think of him and Mike as my childhood heroes. I attended Mike's funeral Mass at St. Vincent's Church at Adams and Figueroa in Los Angeles back in the 1966 when Mike finally passed after being in a coma for so long. Everytime I pass St. Vincent's I think of that Mass for Mike McKeever. I am so grateful to have known Mike and Marlin, I have always been proud to tell people that Marlin was my confirmation sponsor and that we attended the same high school and university. Not many people can say that. I hope that the two twins are together for all eternity now. May God bless them both. Dan McDonald class of 1968 and 1972 Mt. Carmel and USC.....
W.C. Steward
October 31, 2006
To the Mckeever family I'm sorry for your loss .When I was growing up I saw him play when he was with the Redskins he was a great ball player &overall good guy.He will truly be missed.W.C.Steward Va Beach Va
Dale and Lea Bowles
October 30, 2006
To the Mckeever Clan, So terribly sorry to hear about Marlin. Hopefully Heaven will grace him with lots of morrel mushrooms and huckleberry pies he loved so much. We were next door neighbors of Bill Sr. and Moneta in Klamath Falls, who by the way, were two of the neatest people on earth, God Bless their sweet little souls. Please convey our deepest condolances to the Family.
elmore fudge
October 30, 2006
Score one in heaven big guy!
Sharon Perales (Mc Guinness)
October 30, 2006
Dear Susie,Marlin,Kellee, Michelle
and my sweet friend David, I am so sorry for your loss. I can not imagine the heartache you must be feeling. Please know my prayers are with you and please know that both myself and my family are here for all of you. God bless. Marlin you will be missed but never forgotten.
B.JAMES LIEBERMAN
October 30, 2006
WHAT A SHOCK AND LOSS TO ALL WHO KNEW YOU MARLIN.
YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND AND BUDDY DURING YOUR PRO PLAYING DAYS.
I SAT WITH YOUR PARENTS DURING A VIKING GAME,WAS A GUEST OF YOURS AT A NUMBER RAM PRACTICES AND YOU WERE A REGULAR AT BOTH JOE CERRELL AND MY RESTAURANT IN CENTURY CITY.
WE SHARED MANY MOMENTS TOGRTHER DURING YOUR PRO CAREER AND ILL ALWAYS CHERISH THEM.
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY.
Mike&Jim class of '56 & 57 Garvin
October 30, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Latter
October 30, 2006
One of my favorite Washington Redskins as I grew up. Sorry to hear about Marlin passing away!
Mary Ellen Schiavone
October 29, 2006
Any football loving catholic kid who grew up in Los Angeles in the 50's and 60's knew of the McKeever twins. From Mt. Carmel High School to USC they were legendary. And we all remember the horrible head injury suffered by Mike during his senior year at USC that ended his career, and his subsequent tragic death in a car accident. Isn't ironic that almost 40 yars later, Marlin died from a head injury similar to his twin brother. I never met the family, but I went to St Cyprians School in Long Beach, which was located right next to St. Anthony's High School football field. We went to every St. Anthony game. We were in awe of the famous football players who went to Catholic schools...The McKeever twins from Mt. Carmel, Jack Snow from St. Anthony, John Huarte from Mater Dei, Paul Horgan and Steve Grady from Loyola. We followed their careers and lives. As Ram fans we saw the impact impact made by Marlin and Jack Snow. Now they are both gone too soon.
Even though I do not know the family, I feel that I have lost part of my past, as I reflect on how I idolized them.
My heart goes out to the McKeever family.
Arlene Robertson Robertson
October 28, 2006
To Marlin's family. I am very sorry to hear of your lost. Reading his obituary, I found that he was a great football player. He seemed to have been viewed also not only as a good sportsmen but also as a businessman. What I would like to share with the
family, is that there will come a time when he will be back to live on earth again. Jesus said in the bible book of John 5: 28 & 29 that all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out. I hope that these words will be of comfort to the family.
Sincerely,
Arlene Robertson
Donna
October 28, 2006
To the McKeever family. I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with tou at this time of your life
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