Marion M. Blye was born December 13, 1924 in Manchester, Oklahoma, son of Orville and Alta (Snyder) Blye.  He attended Gore Grade School and graduated from Manchester High School in 1943.

In June 1943, Marion joined the United States Army.  He served with the 81st infantry in the Western Pacific and the Southern Philippines during World War II.  He received the Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, the Victory Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, and the American Theater Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged on February 22, 1946.

On April 28, 1946, Marion married Wanda Ferguson in Anthony, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two daughters:  Donita and Brenda.  They made their home in Anthony until 1955 when they moved to Wichita.

Marion worked as an insurance salesman for Western and Southern Insurance Company.  He retired after 25 years in 1984.  In 1985, he and Wanda returned to Anthony, Kansas.

Marion was a family man who loved seeing and spending time with his grandchildren.  An avid OU fan, he rarely missed watching a football or volleyball game.  Working in his yard was also a favorite pastime.

On 12-8 at 12:08 p.m., Marion passed away five days shy of his 96th birthday.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda on November 11, 1992; an infant daughter and an infant son; and siblings: Darrell Blye, Lloyd Blye, Ezra Blye, and Loretta Hagerman.

Marion will be deeply missed by his daughters: Donita Hardin and husband, Gary, and Brenda Jones; sister, Lavena Blye; 5 grandchildren:  Chrystal Hardin Schultz (Mike), Candi Hardin Wease (Mark), Gary Hardin Jr. (Alice), Christine King (Chris), and Allen Jones (Ashley); 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas.  Burial will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, west of Anthony.

Friends may view and register 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Marion may be made to Samaritan's Purse and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.  Marion's service will be available for viewing on www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com, following the service.