Cemetery recognized with meaningful gift
The Marlin Calvary Cemetery Memorial Association held a ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 27, honoring the new flag pole and flags flying over the home to many of Marlin’s ancestors.
The two flags that now fly overhead were donated for use by Congressman Bill Flores, and House Representative Kyle Kacal, who were present at the inauguration event. Each flag came with a certificate of authenticity that named the red, white, and blue pennant as Marlin Calvary Cemetery’s newest residents.
The United States Flag, donated by Flores, once stood at the United States Capitol Building. The Texas flag was flown at the Capitol of the Sovereign State of Texas and was donated by Kacal in honor of Senator Tom Connoly.
A distant relative of Connoly, local business-owner and community advocate, Tom Lewis, was also present at the event.
Connolly was born and raised in Falls County and moved to Marlin to practice law after attending school at Baylor University and serving in the Spanish American War. He was eventually elected flotorial rep for Falls, McLennan and Limestone counties, then prosecuting attorney for Falls County.
After returning to the service in World War I, the Captain went on the serve 37 years in Congress and was one of the voices of change that led to the creation of the United Nations. He was instrumental in the creation of various area VA hospitals and was even given props by President John F. Kennedy before returning home to his final place of peace in Marlin.
A new memorial and plaque are on display within the cemetery so that his memory may live on.
As the largest cemetery within Marlin City Limits, the 25 acres of rolling hills and well maintained resting places date back to as early as 1862, according to the association.
Stephan Ward Sr., grandfather of Miss Lillie Lee Ward of Marlin, donated the land for the first portion of Calvary cemetery, after arriving in MArlin a mere 10 years prior.
When the City of Marlin took over ownership of the cemetery in 1929, they took on adding a road, water and utility lines, as well as security.
The cemetery has been maintained by a number of hands over the years and has had improvements funded by local clubs, grants, and community efforts. It is located at 501 Fortune St. in Marlin. To get there, go west on Highway 7 from downtown and turn right on Burnett St. The road will dead end at the cemetery gates.
Current members of the Marlin Calvary Cemetery Memorial Association are: Genie Muese, President; Kay Woliver, Vice President; Peggi Kenny, Secretary; Sarah Campbell, Treasurer; Janet Evans, Trustee; James Wilkey, Trustee; Dr. James Bryan, Trustee; Byrleen Terry; and Beth Nutt.