Marlin W. Wirey

Marlin W. Wirey, 69, of Robinson, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Robinson Rehab and Nursing facility after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

Born August 4, 1954, in Lawrenceville, IL, Marlin was the son of William and Louetta (Moore) Wirey. Marlin was a longtime resident of Residential Developers Inc., Mefford Cila Home in Robinson, where one of his favorite pastimes was playing pranks on the staff, leading to a lifetime ban on plastic snakes and fake rats. Marlin enjoyed spending time with his roommates and working at the Lawrence Crawford Workshop for 44 years. An avid jokester, when asked if he had a girlfriend or was up to no good, he would respond to both with a sly, "I'll never tell...".

Marlin had a profound zest for life, living each day to the fullest and always showing kindness, love, and compassion to family, friends, and strangers, alike. Never knowing a stranger, Marlin was quick to introduce himself to all passersby, his contagious laugh, welcoming smile, and signature eyeglasses bringing joy to everyone in his presence. He loved spending time with his family, often joining his nieces and nephews on the couch to watch TV and bribing them to sneak him one more Diet Pepsi. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of classic rock song lyrics and goofy jokes that never ceased to amaze and entertain. He was a multiple-time medalist in Special Olympic bowling and loved watching any sporting event he could get to.

Marlin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters & brothers-in-law, Perna Wirey, Billie & Greg Bowen, and Robert Schlosser; and brother, Kirk Wirey. Marlin is survived by his brothers & sisters-in-law, Kenneth & Debbie Valle (Graysville, IN), William & Jeanine Wirey (Cookeville, TN), and Keith & Rita Wirey (Robinson); his sister, Betty Schlosser (Minot, ND) and many nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14th, at the chapel of Highland Church of Christ. Visitors will be asked to enter through the southeast door under the awning. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation and be held at 6:00 p.m. at the church with his friend, Pastor Jeff Monroney, officiating. Donations in his memory may be made to the "Lawrence Crawford Association for Exceptional Citizens", and memorial envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.

Marlin's remains are to be buried at the Otterbein Cemetery, rural Birds, IL, at a later date.