Marlin L. Davis
January 23, 1939 ~ March 21, 2026
Born in: New Underwood, SD
Resided in: Faulkton, SD
Marlin L. Davis, 87, of Faulkton, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.
Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton with family present. Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery.
Marlin L. Davis was born January 23, 1939, in New Underwood, South Dakota, to Loren and Esther (Hamilton) Davis. He attended grade school in New Underwood until the family moved to Wessington Springs where he graduated from high school in 1958.
Marlin was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Damon, and together they were blessed with four children: Gary, Hillary, Lori, and Jamie. He later married Helen Davis, gaining two additional children, Jody and Donna.
Marlin was a carpenter operating as Davis Construction and for a short time owned an ice cream stand in Parker, SD. In 1984, they moved to Faulkton where he and Helen ran the M & H Motel. He did carpentry work and drove bus for Jack Rabbit Lines to make ends meet, later driving school bus for the Faulkton school district from which he eventually retired.
Marlin was dedicated to his community and his passions. He taught NRA hunter safety for many years and 4-H shooting sports. In 2016, Marlin was inducted into the South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports Hall of Fame. He was actively involved with local gun clubs and antique gas engine shows.
Marlin’s life will forever be cherished by his children: Gary Davis, Sioux Falls, Hillary (Bob) Oyen, Montrose, Lori Davis, Yankton, Jamie Davis, Lincoln, NE, and Jody Sautner and Donna Freidrichs, Rapid City; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his siblings: Joyce (Falline) Davis-Sundquist, New Brighton, MN, Harvey (Mae) Davis, Alpena, Larry (Jeannie) Davis, Pierre, and Gayle (Andy) Franks, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Helen; and two great granddaughters, Maize and Lily.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Marlin’s arrangements.
Services
Visitation: Saturday, April 11, 2026 1:30 pm
Luce Funeral Home Faulkton
814 St John St
Faulkton, South Dakota 57438
Graveside Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026 3:45 pm
Faulkton Cemetery
south of Faulkton going towards Orient
Faulkton, South Dakota 57438
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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Bruce Roseland
I knew Marlin mostly when he drove the Faulkton School bus on wrestling trips. He had nerves of steel driving down roads that that I couldn’t see sitting in the seat just behind him because of snow and ice. None of the kids secure on that bus had any idea what a great driver he was— an island of calm.
I am sorry to hear that Marlin passed away. I lived next door to Marlin for several years. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer, kinder neighbor. May the angels carry him to paradise .
Sending prayers to his family,
Doyle and Kay Foreman
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Hug and prayers. He will be missed.
To the Davis family,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Marlin, he was an extremely nice Gentleman, and a lot of fun to shoot with in Onaka. He will forever be missed.
Prayers and blessings to Marlins family. I met Marlin when I started driving school bus. He helped me out a lot. Most important were the stories he told me from years ago. I believe he thought of every word that came out of his mouth. He thought before he spoke. It might have taken awhile to finish but they were great stories. He enjoyed his trips to Onaka to “shoot with the boys.” His passion for guns was also present as he helped with 4H children. Enjoyed working with him
To the family of Marlin Davis:
So sorry to hear of Marlin’s passing. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Bill and Lana Aker
So sorry to hear of Marlin’s death. Will miss seeing him and visiting with him. Could always count on him for guidance at 4-H Shooting sports and trusted him when he was driving the bus!
Rest in Peace Marlin. Now you will be with wives and all your family. You are will be missed. Without love Jerry and Cheryl Sautner. Condolences to your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Marlin was a wonderful man, he always had a smile when I ran into him. Rest in eternal peace Marlin.
The entire staff at Prairie Heights Healthcare extends their condolences to all of you. Thank you for letting us care for him. We enjoyed his time with us and he was a delight to care for. Rest in peace Marlin.
Sorry to hear of marlins passing our sympathy and prayers to Family and friends
Sorry to hear of Marlins Passing Sending our sympathy and prayers to Family and Friends