Marlin Leroy Burkholder, age 89, of Columbus Grove, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 17, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1936, in Bluffton, Ohio to Vernon and Viola Burkholder. 

Marlin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his love of the Bible, his service to the church, and commitment to family. Marlin graduated from Beaverdam High School in 1954. On August 9, 1957, he married his sweetheart, Kay Miller, and began raising their family together. 

Marlin was a lifelong farmer. He worked at Sheller Globe/Superior Coach assembling school buses, then at Sharrock’s Bus Sales/Cardinal Bus Sales in the sales/parts department. Throughout his life, Marlin enjoyed his children's and grandchildren’s sporting and musical events. He also enjoyed attending family camping trips. He and his wife of almost 69 years will be especially remembered for the weekly “cousin breakfasts” with all their grandchildren. 

Marlin attended Ebenezer Mennonite Church and served in multiple roles, including Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Marlin was also active in Gideons International and served as a chaplain with Transport for Christ. Marlin’s greatest wish is for you to come to a personal relationship with Jesus, our only hope. 

Marlin had the assurance of Jesus’ promise from John 11:25-26 (NKJV), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Marlin is survived by his wife, Kay; 2 sons, Stephen (Laurel) and Dwaine (Cheryl); 2 daughters, Ann (Tom) Spallinger and Sara (Chris) Sullivan; 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Kay Burkholder, and his brother, Sherill (Bea) Burkholder.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5-7  p.m. at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, 8905 Columbus-Grove Bluffton Road, Bluffton, Ohio 45817. 

The funeral service will be held at the church on May 23, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a 1-hour visitation prior, with Pastor Jim King officiating. 

Burial will take place at Ebenezer Cemetery, Bluffton, Ohio.

Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday between 3-5 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Ebenezer Mennonite Church for the support of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. 

For additional information and to view Marlin's online obituary, please visit churchfuneralsdirect.com