Marlatt, Dennis Robert (1953-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Sep 10 p. 3

Birth date: 1952 Oct 4

text of obituary:

Brother and Sister Die in Highway Crash On Way to College

Hillsboro, Kan. — A double funeral service was conducted at the Shafter, Calif. Mennonite Brethren Church at 10 a.m. on Sept. 3, for Nancy and Dennis Marlatt, brother and sister who were fatally injured in a highway accident while en route to Hillsboro to enter Tabor College.

Rev. Dan Friesen, pastor of the church, was in charge of the service and the message was given by Rev. H. H. Dick of Fresno. Joel Wiebe, director of public relations at Tabor, represented the college at the service. A memorial service for the two young people was conducted at Tabor on Friday, Sept 4.

Nancy Lynn Marlatt 20, and her brother Dennis Robert, 17, children of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marlatt of Shafter, left their home Saturday morning for Hillsboro. On Sunday at 9 a. m. near Dalhart, Texas, their light car was involved in a headon collision with another auto, resulting in instant death for both.

Nancy had attended Tabor for three years, and last year was a cheer leader and secretary-treasurer of the junior class. Dennis planned to enter Tabor for his freshman year. He was an Eagle Scout and last year served as president of the youth group at the Shafter M. B. Church. Both young people were members of that church.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Sep 24 p. 11

text of obituary

NANCY AND DENNIS MARLATT

Our loving children, Nancy and Dennis Marlatt, were both born in Shafter, Calif. Here they both attended grade school and were graduated from the Shafter High School. On their way to Tabor College at Hillsboro, Kan., God, in His divine wisdom, permitted them both to enter into His presence instantly and simultaneously through an accident. The accident occurred Sunday morning, Aug. 30, at 9:00 a.m. near Dalhart, Texas.

Nancy Lynn was born on Oct. 17, 1949. She was our firstborn and brought much joy into our home. At a tender age she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. This happened through the guidance, love and instruction of the late Mrs. Amanda Wiebe. On May 6, 1962, she was baptized upon her confession of faith and united with the Mennonite Brethren Church for fellowship. She attended this church, both Sunday school and worship services, very faithfully. She sang in the church choir and was active in the youth group.

Upon graduation from high school, she was accepted as a student at Tabor College and attended the school for three years. She served as cheer leader and secretary-treasurer for her Junior class. She was elected to serve in this same position for her senior year. She left with great anticipation for Tabor College Saturday morning.

The blow seems hard to take. Yet we are comforted with the fact that there was no suffering involved and we have the full assurance that she is with the Lord. She reached the age of 20 years, 10 months, and 23 days.

Our son, Dennis Robert was born on Oct. 4, 1952. From his early youth he was a radiant boy with great zeal and vigor to face the challenge of life. He had a ready smile and a friendly word for all who were a part of his life. At about the age of 10, while attending Hartland Bible Camp, he became aware of his lost condition and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. On June 28, 1964, he was baptized upon his confession of faith and united with the Mennonite Brethren Church for fellowship. He was a regular attendant, both at Sunday school and church. He was also very active in the youth group of the church, serving as president during the last year’s term. During the spring and summer months he was a member of a singing group known as “His Way.”

Dennis was active in sports during his high school days. He was also an active scouter and was the recipient of the coveted Eagle Scout award, the highest rank in scouting. In November of 1966, after working for two years with his pastor in church related activity, he was presented with the “God and Country” award.

He was eager to enter Tabor College, together with his sister. After having had a most wonderful summer together with our children, they left with great joy Saturday morning for Tabor College. Though they did not arrive, we know they reached a better place. Dennis reached the age of 17 years, 10 months, and 26 days.

We were a closely knit family. We did many things together with our children. Now this unit has been severed, and we can only look for strength from Him “Who doeth all things well.” Though we do not understand, we pray that we may have the grace to submit to God’s will.

Mourning this great loss besides the parents is Grandmother Marlatt and a host of close relatives and friends. ---- Robert and Letha Marlatt.