Richard Arthur Marriner

Richard Arthur Marriner, died Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the age of 87. He was born in Newark, New Jersey to Benjamin Arthur and Mabel Pennington Marriner.

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Susan Grass Marriner; sons Paul Richard Marriner and wife Joy of Nashville and Benjamin Edward Marriner and wife Molly of Lake Charles; two daughters, Cathy Lynne Matthews and husband Terry of Sarasota, Florida and Susan Elizabeth Marriner, also of Lake Charles; eleven grandchildren, Ben and Christina Marriner, Claire Cooper, Parish Marriner, Dorit, Nicola, Teresa, Simon, and Joe Matthews, Jason and Elizabeth Picard, and one great grandchild, Ariel Matthews.

Mr. Marriner began his education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. After joining the Navy in 1943, he was transferred to the University of Virginia and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering. After serving as a U.S. Naval Officer as an ordinance and ammunition handling specialist, he obtained a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1947 and a Masters Degree, with distinction, in Business Administration from Harvard University in 1949. Richard joined Esso's East Coast Technical Service Division until he was recalled to active duty from 1951 1952, serving in the Bureau of Aeronautics in aviation fuels development activities. Upon release, he joined the Standard Vacuum Oil Company (Esso and Mobil's joint company responsible for African, Asian, and Australian operations). During a seventeen year career with Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, he was initially employed as a refinery engineer and subsequently served as manager of Standard Vacuum's Indonesian refinery, Manager of the Coordination, Economic and Planning Department of Esso Standard Eastern, Inc., Managing Director of International Gas Transport Mij., the co-developer of Dutch natural gas in the European export markets, and finally Deputy Director of Natural Gas Operations for Esso Europe, Inc.

In 1967 due to the disabling illness of his father, he moved to Lake Charles to assume the Presidency of Southwest Beverage Company, Inc. and related companies, which position he served in until 2004 when, during the celebration of the firm's 50th year, Richard assumed the role of Chairman of the Board and appointed his son, Ben, President of Southwest Beverage.

Richard's involvement in the community over the years has been considerable and exhibited his untiring dedication to help those in need not only financially, but with the gift of his time. Serving at one time or another as member or on the Board of Directors of The Lake Charles Symphony, Calcasieu Hope Centers, Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens, Southwest Louisiana Health Service Agency, Inc., The First National Bank of Lake Charles, National Bank of Commerce, Calcasieu United Appeals, Lake Charles Chamber of Commerce, The Pioneer Club, and the Lake Charles Racquet Club.

Richard's favorite recreation was a good game of competitive tennis with friends followed by a cold Budweiser.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Episcopal church of the Good Shepherd under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Bishop Charles Jenkins will officiate. Interment will be at Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 until 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Episcopal Day School, 715 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens, 4100 J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601.