Dr. Marlin Eugene Berry
Dr. Marlin Eugene Berry, 68, Retired Superintendent of the Smoky Valley, Abilene, Olathe and Rogers School Districts, died Thursday, May 2, 2024. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2024 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, KS. Marlin leaves behind a lasting legacy in multiple communities, having served over 40 years in public education. His life’s work was to provide the best education possible to all children; in 2013 he was named Kansas Superintendent of the Year. Marlin and his wife and best friend of 45 years, Judy, retired in 2022 to Wichita. After wearing a suit and tie daily during his career, he could most recently be found in a KU polo and with candy in his pocket for his beloved granddaughters. Heaven has gained a remarkable man. Marlin was preceded in death by his parents, Daryl and Peggy Berry. Survived by his wife, Judy Berry; daughters, Rachel (Aaron) Payne of Wichita, Megan Berry of Abilene, KS; granddaughters, Claire and Elise Payne; brothers, Marc (Erica) Berry, Marshall (Kathleen) Berry; sisters, Martha (Charles) Reynolds, Marcia (Frank) Wolf. Memorials have been established with: Smoky Valley Education Foundation, 126 S. Main St., Lindsborg, KS 67456; USD 435 Endowment Association, P.O. Box 639, Abilene, KS 67410; Olathe Public Schools Foundation, 300 E. Loula St., Olathe, KS 66061; and Rogers Public Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1021, Rogers, AR 72757. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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It is with a heavy heart that I learned of Dr. Berry’s death. I worked closely with him in Olathe and continued our friendship as I traveled through Arkansas where Judy and Marlin welcomed me in their home. His leadership was remarkable and he was a mentor to many in education. The thing I will always remember is his humor and humility. Prayers to his family.
Dr. Berry brought smiles to many! His gentle approach and kindness always made days at Olathe Schools “great days”! I’m thankful for my time under his care and watch. He always wanted the best for those he served. His ability to lead, listen and mentor with integrity, care and concern is a great legacy he has left. He truly is a remarkable man and friend who will be forever loved and missed!
Dear Judy, Rachel and Megan –
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Marlin. We have many fond memories of him and he will be greatly missed. We appreciated him as our superintendent and as a friend – so well respected and had a great sense of humor. May God be with you at this time of great loss.
Sincerely, Bill & Joan Christner
Judy & Family –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I started my career out designing school facilities for Marlin when he was the Principal at Gardner-Edgerton HS. He then hired our firm at Smoky Valley, Abilene and Olathe Schools. I couldn’t ask for a beet client and friend. Her did so much good for education in Kansas. Always professional. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the Berry family today. I was heartbroken (and cried) when he left Rogers Public Schools, but I was incredibly happy for (and maybe a little envious of!) his family—who would soon get all of him. The life of an educator is not an easy one, and I have never met a better leader in education than Dr. Marlin Berry. He always had an open door and a listening ear, and he never had to “pretend” to care about his teachers. His actions spoke even louder than his comedic words. He truly was an incredible human, and I know that there are many of us who will never forget him and are having a really hard time receiving this news. Heaven received a wonderful man last week. Much love to his whole family. ❤️
Dr. Berry was an amazing educator and a truly wonderful gentleman. So thankful I had the opportunity to work with him in Olathe. Sending prayers and loving thoughts to his family.
Twyla Boyer
Marlin had an incredible impact on the Rogers Public Schools and our community. We are grateful that he led our district for 6 years. He was a humble servant leader who supported the staff and always wanted what was best for the students. He was a true gentlemen and was very authentic with his relationships. Marlin had a mischievous sense of humor and we loved kidding him about his beloved KU. We are praying for the Berry family.
I am very sad to learn of Marlin’s passing and I offer my sincerest sympathy to your family. I warmly recall him coaching my daughter Callie and Rachel in 4th grade softball. He would show up at the field in his suit, sun beating down in 100° heat, and teach them how to play ball. He was an attentive and very involved father, husband and superintendent. He will be greatly missed. May God bless you all and give you strength and comfort at this time.
Barb Wentz
I’m VERY sad to hear about Dr. Berry’s passing. I had the opportunity to meet him when I served as a member of the Superintendent Student Advisory Council in Olathe.
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
Bailey Ostrom
Judy and family, I was so very saddened to hear of Dr Berrys passing. He was a pleasure to work for at the Abilene District Office. I always thought very highly of him. He was such a good guy. I can only imagine how he enjoyed being a Grandpa. Prayers to your family at this difficult time.
Former teacher in the Olathe School District.
I will always remember Dr. Berry for his help in clearing the way for me to explore a different dimension of teacher leadership, being part of a research design team with university partners to seek a grant to explore questions related to STEM education at the high school level. Several other administrators didn’t believe that such work is something classroom teachers should do and put roadblocks in my way. However, Dr. Berry met with me and cleared the way for me to jointly submit grant proposals to the National Science Foundation. Eventually, we were funded and I was able to serve as a co-principal investigator on a grant. Such opportunities are rare for classroom teacher leaders. But he could see the value in that. I have now gone on to pursue a PhD and engineering education at PURDUE University. I will always be grateful for his help.
Bruce Wellman
My condolences to Judy and family. My heart goes out to you for your loss of Marlin. I know he wanted more time with you and his grandchildren. I hope you can take some comfort and care from the kind words and respect, his colleagues and acquaintances have shared, He was a professional educator and leader who consistently demonstrated his compassion for others while addressing challenging times. I was honored to work with him