Richard Marrow

1956 - 2025

God honored Rick's lifelong prayer at the age of 69. He went to sleep peacefully on earth and awoke in heaven with his Lord in the early morning hours of November 15, 2025.
Richard "Rick" Allen Marrow was born March 13, 1956, in Gilroy, California, the eldest child of Maurice and Lois Marrow. From a young age, Rick accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and began a life defined by deep faith, joy, courage, and adventure.
Growing up, Rick's adventurous spirit was impossible to contain. While his father studied for ministry, Rick could often be found exploring the neighborhood with friends, most notably swimming and fishing in the forbidden waters of the aqueducts. Arriving home soaked usually earned him a well-deserved spanking, though never quite enough to keep him away from the water he loved.
Rick's sense of adventure only grew when his family traveled with the Moore family to Kenya, forming a lifelong bond. He spoke often and fondly of his years in Africa, preaching trips across lakes in leaky boats he helped keep afloat, repairing engines with no tools, and hunting excursions that required courage and a sharp sense of direction. Once, after forgetting something back at camp, his father sent him alone through miles of savannah grassland because he knew Rick was the only one who could find his way out…and back again.
Even when he missed his parents deeply during his time at Rift Valley Academy boarding school, Rick embraced every moment, turning challenges into stories and stories into lifelong memories. After returning to the United States, he lived with his grandparents and loved working alongside his Uncle Homer Lee, always seeking the next adventure.
Rick eventually made his way to Texas, where he worked a variety of jobs- from the railroad to the marine industry, where he found his professional home under Baxter Stanley. Whether he was hunting, flying small planes, or especially fishing- on his boat or deep at sea- Rick felt most himself in God's creation.
Those who knew Rick would say he was the kindest and bravest of men. He was always ready to defend, to serve, and to help. Anyone who spent time around him walked away encouraged, uplifted, and usually laughing from one of his unforgettable stories. Rick saw life not as a burden but as an adventure and his joy was contagious.
Rick is survived by his "lovely bride," Melodie Salseth Marrow of Baytown; his stepchildren Jayson Williams and wife Cynthia of Canada, Holly Canuz and husband Otto of Houston, TX, and Benjamin Williams and wife Yareli of Austin, TX; his sister Jeanette Nelson of Sweeny, TX; brothers David Marrow and wife Joy of Alvin, TX, and Jonathan Marrow and wife Vicki of Indianola, OK; 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts; his two favorite aunts- Aunt Sally and Aunt Charlotte; his former wife Sharon Zook; and stepdaughters Pepperjohn Allison and Jami Chavez.
He is preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Lois Marrow; his in-laws Harold and Joan Salseth; sister-in-law Cynthia Benda; brother-in-law Richard Salseth; and his beloved African baby brother, Hassan Lambert Jr. (Junya).
Celebrations of Life
Oklahoma Service
Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Dowden-Robert Funeral Home
710 US Hwy 270, Heavener, OK
Interment to follow at Muse Cemetery, Muse, OK

Texas Service
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
First Baptist Church Pasadena
7500 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX
Rick lived his life as an adventure, walked it with courage, and finished it in faith. His legacy of joy, generosity, and steadfast trust in the Lord will continue in the countless lives he touched.
Pallbearers will be: His Family
Rick will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Friday. The family will visit with friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time, Saturday at the funeral home.
To sign Rick's online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.