Shirley Rogers Marlow

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shirley Rogers Marlow, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He peacefully departed from this world at the Martinsburg, West Virginia Veterans Administration Medical Center, Hospice and Palliative Care Unit. Shirley was 86 years of age and was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, cancer of the bone marrow.

Born on May 26, 1939, at home in Berryville, Virginia, Shirley Rogers Marlow was a remarkable individual who led a fulfilling life. He last resided in Front Royal, Virginia. He was the beloved son of William and Mary Agnes Marlow. Shirley proudly served his country in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, he became a heavy equipment operator, he was also a safety superintendent with Vulcan Materials Company in Manassas, Virginia and eventually owned and operated his own excavating business (S.R. Marlow Excavating) based out of Marshall and Delaplane, Virginia, until he retired.

Throughout his career, he worked in Fauquier and Loudoun counties building roads, ponds, digging basements and developing many subdivisions. He would affectionally state when referring to his many work sites - "I left my mark there". He also contracted with Barron Homes, Inc. where he worked on many sites in Virginia, West Virginia and on the Florida/Alabama line developing subdivisions.

Shirley also had a love of music where he sang and played guitar in a band early in his life. For the remainder of his life he played guitar, sang, covered, and recorded many songs and loved to sing karaoke. He was also known worldwide on the CB radio/sideband radio as "Sodbuster - call sign KATH 4774". This love and passion for communications was ignited while serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. This also flowed into his love of recording audio, video, and photography. He loved to bowl and bowled in many leagues in Warrenton and Winchester, Virginia. Shirley will be remembered for his kind heart, willingness to teach others and the great love for his family and children.

Shirley Rogers Marlow was a cherished father to DaWan Morgan (Kevin), Sharon Marlow, Dana McArthur (Art), and Sean Cornell (Evei). He was lovingly known as "Big Daddy Marlow" to his four grandchildren; Thomas Weeks (Samantha), Matthew Morgan, Ezra Cornell and Emory Cornell and two great-grandchildren; Emily and Bentley Weeks. Shirley is also survived by his beloved sister, Betty Clegg and her husband Danny Clegg, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley is proceeded in death by his father (William), mother (Mary Agnes), brother (William [PeeWee]), nephew (Jack), nephew (Billy) and grandchild (Levi).

In reflecting upon his life, we remember Shirley Rogers Marlow for his love of his country, excavating (playing in the dirt), music, karaoke, bowling, muscle cars, NASCAR and the ability to fix most anything. His legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and in the beautiful landscapes that he touched.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Shirley Rogers Marlow will be held on: Sunday, November 9th at 1:30 PM, at Royston Funeral Home at 4125 Rectortown Rd, Marshall, VA. Following the service, the family will host a fellowship luncheon at the Marshall Methodist Church fellowship hall - 8405 W. Main Street, Marshall, VA.

A private service will be held at the Culpeper National Cemetery with Army Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Martinsburg Veterans Administration Hospice and Palliative Care Unit as a tribute to his memory and the wonderful care he received during his stay.

The Hospice and Palliative Care Unit accepts monetary donations to support care for Veterans with life limiting illness and their loved ones. These funds are used to improve the quality of life for Veterans on the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit.

To donate, please:

1. Make check payable to: Martinsburg VA Medical Center

2. In memo line, please direct your contribution to "Hospice Care Unit in memory of Shirley Marlow"

3. Mail to: Martinsburg VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services First Floor, 510 Butler Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25405.

Arrangements by Royston Funeral Home, Marshall, VA. Please visit www.roystonfh.com to express online condolences to the family.