Thomas Duke Marler, Sr., born May 6, 1946, in Cleveland, Mississippi, to Laurence “L.A.” and Christina “Chris” Marler. Tom passed away Feb. 18, 1921 in Fayetteville, Ark., at age 74.
Tom was a Vietnam Veteran. He was also known by the girls as the Doggie Day Care Man. On Dec. 16, 2013, Tom was very blessed with getting a heart transplant and lived life to the fullest. You could always see him coming with the brightest tennis shoes he could find. He loved his dogs Rasta and Faith, and his cat, Sunny. Tom loved the Lord and his church.
Tom is survived by his wife of 38 years Patti Ratliff Marler; two daughters, Pamela Ann Matsunaqa of Japan and Crystal Ann Gunnels Arimura and husband, Douglas, of Rogers, Ark.; granddaughters Akemi, Pia, and Angelica; grandsons Christopher, Taiyo, Jeremy, and Shane; mother-in-law Elizabeth Ratliff of Beaver, Ark.; and many other family members and friends that he loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents L.A. and Chris Marler; son Thomas Duke Marler, Jr.; brother James Marler; nephew Dalton Leon Johnson; father-in-law John Ratliff; and his grandparents.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Humane Society, 6486 Hwy. 62, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 or the First Methodist Church, 195 Huntsville Road, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2021.