Marion Lee Counts, 79 of Lawrence, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas died Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.

Marion was born February 26, 1935 in Hays, Kansas, the son of Kellis and Sylvia (Weese) Counts.  He grew up in the Fairport, Kansas area and graduated from Paradise High School.  He then attended a semester at Ft. Hays State University before joining the U.S. Air Force.  He served from 1954 to 1957.

Marion was united in marriage to Geraldine M. Keil on October 11, 1959 in Russell.  This union was blessed with two children: Curtis and Jacqueline.  They made their home in Russell.

Marion was a gauger for Koch Industries for over 20 years before he and Geraldine cofounded MG Oil, Inc. in 1994. He operated the company before he retired in 2011 when he and Geraldine moved to Lawrence.

Marion was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell and attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lawrence.  He also was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, a member of the Russell Hospital Auxiliary, and Pheasants Forever – Black Gold Chapter.  He was a kind and gentle man who loved to converse with family and friends.  He never met a stranger.  Marion enjoyed fishing, playing golf, restoring antique cars and going to car shows, travelling, and especially, attending all of his grandchildren’s activities.

Surviving family include his wife of 54 years, Geraldine of the home; son Curtis Counts of Russell, Kansas; daughter Jacqueline Counts (Bruce Eggers) of Lawrence, Kansas; sister Vinita Finnesy of Goodland, Kansas; five grandchildren, Chad Counts, Brittni Counts, Keil Eggers, Kane Eggers, and Heather Ross; and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Merle Counts.

Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held at 3:30 P.M. Thursday, April 10, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 7 PM Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Loving Paws – Animal Therapy.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.