Marion Allen Smallwood was born September 4, 1937, in Webster City, Iowa, to George Emmer Smallwood and Gladys Lula Welch Smallwood. He died Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 84 years. After high school, Marion attended Okmulgee Technical School in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he earned technical degrees. He then attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, earning a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in counseling. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he earned his specialist’s degree and doctorate degree in education. Marion was married August 17, 1958, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Carolyn Gail Marsh. He spent much of his working life as an educator and entrepreneur. He taught at various vocational technical schools throughout the Midwest. In later years, he promoted and bred miniature bulldogs with his late wife, Carolyn. Marion enjoyed a variety of pastimes including flying and was an expert pilot. He was also very active in civil aviation. With his extensive background in counseling and vocational education, he often provided informal counseling to individuals in need within his community. He was particularly interested in youth suicide prevention.
Marion leaves many cherished memories to his daughter and son-in-law, Karen Gail Smallwood Ryan, MD, and her husband Matt. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, and his son, David Allen Smallwood.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso, Oklahoma. Final resting place will be at Okmulgee Cemetery in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.
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