Marlin Mack Hawley, 81, passed away peacefully at the KC Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family, on May 27, 2023. He was born July 10, 1941, in Belleville, Kansas, to Irvin Lee Hawley and Bernice (Ericson) Hawley.
He graduated from Republic High School in 1960. After graduation, he worked with his stepfather, Max Conzelman, operating heavy machinery, leveling land. On December 2, 1962, he was united in marriage to Karen Petersen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hardy, Neb.
In January 1963, Mack enlisted in the United States Air Force. He began his military career as an aircraft mechanic at Randolph A.F.B., San Antonio, Texas. He served in the Vietnam War from July 1965 through June 1966. After returning to the United States, he was stationed at Lowrey A.F.B., Denver, Colo. In January 1969, he was stationed at Thule A.F.B., Greenland, performing search and rescue missions as a flight engineer.
From January 1970 until November 1975, he was stationed at Langley A.F.B., Hampton, Va. This was his favorite location, as he and his family lived close to the beach where he enjoyed fishing. In November 1975, he was stationed at Holloman A.F.B., Alamogordo, N.M. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in March 1983.
He began his civilian career in federal civil service at the High Speed Test Track at Holloman AFB. He enjoyed working at the Test Track where he was a member of the rocket sled launch crew.
In 1998, Mack, Karen, and Sarah decided to move to Concordia, Kan., to be closer to family. He began working in the maintenance department at Mt. Joseph Nursing Home, where his stepfather Max resided, and they were able to spend time together daily. At the age of 70, he retired from the work force and enjoyed a more relaxing lifestyle where he could pursue his hobbies.
Through the years, Mack was an avid fisherman who loved boating and fishing from the banks of the Republican River, to the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia, or off the coast of Washington. His favorite sports were football, basketball, and boxing, which he enthusiastically watched/refereed.
Mack is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen; daughter, Diana; daughter, Sarah and son-in-law, Dennis; grandchildren, Keegan, Tieran, Brody, and Dylan, and his stepbrother, Rick Hawley.
Those preceding him in death are his parents, Garold Max and Bernice Conzelman and Irvin Lee and Reyna Elizabeth Hawley; his brother, Terry Hawley, and his stepbrother, Robert Hawley.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
