Marlow Terry

Marlow Terry passed away at home Wednesday, August 12, 2026,  with family by his side. Marlow was born on March 14, 1939, in Courtland, Alabama to Clyde and Pearl Terry. Along with his older brother, Edmond, Marlow spent his early childhood in Alabama before his family moved to Paw Paw, Michigan—a community that would become his lifelong home and a place he loved deeply.

From a young age, Marlow had a natural talent for athletics. He excelled in every sport he participated in, but football held a special place in his heart. During his years at Paw Paw High School, Marlow set numerous athletic records, many of which stood for decades. His accomplishments and contributions to Paw Paw athletics ultimately earned him a well-deserved place in the Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame.

But Marlow’s high school years gave him something even more precious than athletic success. It was there that he met the love of his life, MaryAnn Baker. After high school, Marlow and MaryAnn married and built a beautiful life and family together. Their marriage was truly something special, filled with love and devotion until Maryann’s passing on August 1, 2017.

Marlow loved everything about Paw Paw and took great pride in calling it home. He was especially proud that three generations of his family made their lives in the community he loved so much. If there was a sporting event happening in Paw Paw, chances were good that Marlow was there—often alongside his trusty sidekick, Austin Labadie. Supporting local athletes and his hometown was simply part of who he was.

His love of sports extended well beyond the sidelines. Marlow was an avid bowler and golfer and continued enjoying both throughout his life. One of his proudest golfing moments came in his 80's, when he recorded his first hole-in-one at Lake Cora Golf Course; proof that it is never too late for a great day on the course.

Above all, Marlow’s greatest legacy is the family he and MaryAnn created and the generations that followed.

Marlow was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Pearl Terry; his brother, Edmond Terry; and his beloved wife, MaryAnn Terry.

He is survived by his five children, Judy, Debra, Mike, Scott, and Shannon; his grandchildren, Blake (Allie) Darrow, Brittany Darrow, Ian Israelson, Danielle Ritsema, Dominic Ritsema, Alek Terry, Jarad Terry, Cody (Bailey) Small, Cassidy (Chris) Jones, and Sarah McAnelly; and his great-grandchildren, Logan Darrow, Mason Darrow, Josie Small, Marlow Small, Miller Small, and Thomas Jones.

Marlow enjoyed his friends coming over to spend time with him & had a heart full of love for all of them. Marlow leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a proud athletic legacy, family, friends and community that will deeply miss seeing his familiar face in the stands. His love for MaryAnn, his family, sports, and Paw Paw remained constant throughout his life. The community he cheered for all those years will now remember and celebrate one of its own.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 17, from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. A rosary service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 209 S. Brown Street, Paw Paw, with Rev. Fr. David Pinto officiating. Marlow will be laid to rest next to his wife at St. Mary Cemetery immediately following. There will be a luncheon at the church following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1911 W. Centre Avenue Suite #1, Portage, MI 49024.