John Frank Marino

John Frank Marino passed away on September 15, 2020 at the age of 95. John began his life as the oldest child in a farming family in rural Brazos County, Texas. He helped his family daily with whatever work needed to be done because "the land does not work itself." John began working as a carpenter's apprentice when he was 16 years old, learning valuable skills that also helped him to qualify for the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers at the time he was drafted into military service in WWII. He served his country for two and half years overseas in the European Theater. He fought in Northern France, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes, and was awarded three battle stars. As a lefty, John had to operate a bolt-action rifle left-handed in combat. At the end of the war, John returned to the states and took advantage of the opportunity to earn a college degree under the GI Bill from Texas A&M University. After a brief hiatus from military service, John rejoined the Army as a Reservist and gradually attained the rank of Major, and eventually earned retirement status.

John utilized his college education to become a civil engineer. He worked for TXDOT first and later he joined a federal government agency called the Economic Development Administration. While working for EDA, he traveled extensively in the state of Louisiana, helping to bring basic infrastructure like drinking water systems and bridges to poor and often isolated communities, leaving them better off than before.

John liked to be prepared and was methodical in his ways. He waited until he was able to support a wife and family before he decided to choose a wife and get married. He married Eula and together they raised 3 children, Mark, Suzanne, and Kay. John and Eula were married for 36 years until the time of her passing.

You may know John simply as the kindly gentleman who shares a smile and a wave at every passerby as he works in the yard or shops at the grocery store.

A Catholic funeral mass for John will begin at 10:00am on Monday, September 21, 2020 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church at 4311 Small Drive in Austin, Texas 78731. Up to 160 people may attend the mass while still achieving social distancing guidelines. Masks are highly encouraged in the church.

John will be buried near his parents with full military honors with the help of the Fort Hood Color Guard at a graveside service at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetary at 2811 Old Kurten Road in Bryan, Texas 77803 at 2:00pm on Monday, September 21, 2020.

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 North Lamar.