Louis McBride Marion,longtime administrator/counselor at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park departed this life on Thursday, December 2 after a brief illness.
Louis was the second of three children born to Ernest and Anna Mae Marion of Evanston, Illinois. His parents and older sister preceded him in death. Louis graduated from Evanston Township High School and earned his B.S. degrees in Social Studies Education/Business Administration from West Virginia State College in 1949. He served as a Troop Information and Education Specialist in the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri from 1950-1952. He received his M.A. degree in Guidance and Personnel Administration from Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois in 1953. Later, he attended St. Louis University for post graduate work in Education. His experience in education ranged from elementary classroom teacher to administrator, and his work at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, in particular.
In 1964, he was hired and became the first African American counselor at the college.
From 1968 to1972, Louis was appointed to the Associate Dean of Instruction position for the evening operation at the college. After 13 years of administration experience, Louis returned to his passion, counseling, as an Associate Professor of Counseling. Although his title was Associate Professor of Counseling, he was known at Forest Park as “Father Lou”, “Bishop Lou”’ or just “Lou”. How fitting to be a recipient of the St. Louis American Salute to Excellence in Education Award.
Louis was also well known in the community. His baritone voice could be heard in several area choirs.
He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center for well over 30 years, and was the Co-Chairman of their Advisory Board. He enjoyed being a part of May Day Celebrations and recently served as a May Day Parade Judge. Louis was a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC, a forty year plus member of the Royal Vagabonds, Inc., served as Midwest Regional Director of the National Tots and Teens, INC, a long time member of “The Groop” Couples Club, and an actively involved member of Central Baptist Church for over fifty years.
Louis McBride Marion leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife of fifty-five years, Mildred, two sons, Kevin Dawson of Palmdale, California and Marc Marion, a sister Anna Mae Buchanan of Suitland, MD, and a host of relatives and friends.
