Kenneth Wayne Marks

Kenneth Marks, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away in Memorial Hospital on Saturday, August 5, 2017. He was born on April 6, 1962 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to the late Clifford Marks and Elma Jean Stevens.

Kenneth was a Cub Scout and enjoyed earning badges during his elementary years. He loved sports and played basketball throughout his middle and high school years, winning numerous awards and championships. After graduating from LaGrange High School in 1981, he later attended Sowela Technical Community College.

In 1996, he married Marlene Johnson and two children, Markesha and Kendall, were born from this union.

Kenneth was a hard worker who believed in providing for his family. He worked at Pumpelly Tire in Lake Charles prior to working for Firestone Polymers. While employed there, he received several awards and recognition for his exemplary performance. He was very proud of his work ethic and frequently discussed it with family and friends. His heart was never the same after he was forced to take a medical retirement from Firestone.

Kenneth passed on his love for sports to both of his children from an early age. He supported Iowa recreational and high school sports. He loved watching Markesha play softball, basketball, and throwing the shot put. He thoroughly enjoyed watching Kendall play baseball, football, and basketball. He loved and bled purple and gold for his love for LSU, the Lakers, and Iowa. Kenneth loved spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elma Jean Stevens; father, Clifford Marks; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

He leaves behind his wife, Marlene Johnson-Marks; daughter, Markesha Marks; son, Kendall Marks; aunts Bernice Celestine and Vernita Thomas, uncles Alton Thomas and Johnny (Lillie Rose) Thomas, as well as a host of relatives, former co-workers, and friends who loved him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 12 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Pastor Elmore Garner will officiate. Visitation will begin at the church Saturday morning at 10AM.