Rev. L. T. Marks

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing."
Rev. Lonnie Thomas Marks, known to many as Rev. L.T. Marks, was born September 23, 1926, in New Edinburg, AR, to the late Jodie and Bertha Jenkins Marks. Rev. Marks received his formal education at the New Edinburg Public School in New Edinburg, AR. After completing his formal education, Rev. Marks enlisted in the Army, serving as a cook. During Rev. Marks's time in the Army, he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Occupational Ribbon in Germany. After leaving the military, he entered the logging business, where he worked for over 56 years. Well into his 80's.
Rev. Marks accepted Christ at an early age, received his calling to preach the gospel in 1976, and attended the Seminary School in Texas. Rev. Marks pastored for over 42 years. During these years, he pastored at St. Francis United Methodist Church and Bethel United Methodist Church in New Edinburg, AR. Mt. Olive United Methodist Church is in Fordyce, AR., and Wilson Chapel is in Jonesville, AR.
Rev. Marks enjoyed preaching and spreading the word of God, hunting, fishing, raising cattle, and growing vegetables and sugar cane gardens. Rev. Marks never met a stranger, and he loved helping people. Rev. Marks was instrumental in integrating the New Edinburg School with Mrs. Bertha Marks (His Mother), Mr. Melvin "Bubba" Jackson Sr., and Mrs. Polly Miller. They all united and met with the Board of Education in Little Rock, AR. The meeting was successful, and after the meeting, the board decided that the school would be integrated. Rev. Marks believed in equality and standing up for what was right.
Rev. Marks was married to the late Mrs. Mattie Elizabeth Gilbert-Marks for 66 years, and to this union, four children were born: John Thomas Marks, James Ray Marks, Carlos Quantrell Marks Sr., and Sarah Lynette Marks-Smith.
Rev. Marks was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jodie and Bertha Jenkins Marks, and Wife, Mattie Elizabeth Gilbert-Marks. Siblings Alice Watkins and Doris Smith. Children, John Thomas. Marks, Carlos Quantrell Marks Sr., and James Ray Marks.
Rev. Marks leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Sarah Lynette Marks-Smith of Fordyce, AR, and son Peter Eckert of Baltringen, Germany. One sister-in-law Ruth Dean (Carlton) Lea of Kingsland, AR. Grandchildren Carlos Jr. (Rhonda) Marks of New Edinburg, AR., Valarie Bradley of Warren, AR., Anthony (Tiuana) Marks of New Orleans, LA., Alicia Smith of Monticello, AR., Nickolas Broughton of Warren, AR. Elizabeth Marks-Bowman of Sheridan, AR., Jonathan Smith of Fordyce, AR., and Tobias Wesser of Baltringen, Germany. Fifteen Great-grandchildren, Eleven Great-Great Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church Fordyce, AR. Funeral Service will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at First Methodist Church Fordyce, AR by Rev. Kent Broughton. Interment in St. Francis Cemetery New Edinburg, AR by Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce, AR.
Obituary submitted by The Family.