Marion French

Marion Eugene French, 81, of Carmi, died Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 6:17 a.m. at his residence. He was born April 6, 1930, near Carmi, the son of Giltner and Tilda (Combs) French. He married Betty Lee Litchenberger in Carmi on April 4, 1952, and she preceded him in death on August 28, 2011.

Marion, known by friends by his nickname "Frenchie" served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. He retired from Exxon-Mobile and as a production supervisor. He was co-owner in Wabash Oil Company and continued working in the independent oil production business until 2009 when the company was sold.

Frenchie was a past commander of the Carmi American Legion Post 224 and active in the Forty and Eight as well as the Carmi VFW Post 3851. He attended the First Christian Church of Carmi. He also served many years as a Township Cemetery Trustee. He was a member of the Carmi Country Club and enjoyed golf.

Among his survivors are a son, Kevin L. (Patti) French of Evansville, IN; one brother, Allen French of Baton Rouge, La; four sisters, Margaret Proctor of Fairview, Oklahoma, Marie York of Carmi, Leona (Carl) Julian of Carmi and Jenny de Doming of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; a grandson, Wesley French of San Diego, CA and a granddaughter, Kristy (Justin) Roll of Nashville, TN.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife, four brothers, Jerry, Arnold, Clarence Ray and John French; and two sisters, Kathryn Sandidge and Judy Duval.

Funeral services for Marion French, 81, of Carmi will be Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 10:00 am at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi with Steve McClure officiating. Burial will be in White County Memorial Garden in Carmi with military rites by the Carmi VFW and American Legion. Friends may call on Friday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church of Carmi.