People

For 63 years, Allan R. Lust has been making music as a church organist.  He started at Cardington Methodist Church at 16. Lust served as organist at Trinity Baptist Church in Marion for 15 years. He directed the adult choir, adult and senior handbell choirs, women’s trio, and women’s octet. He served as senior organist […]

Tara Dyer has been a lifelong resident of Marion. While she has many significant contributions to our community, she is largely known for her time as an educator at Marion City Schools for 35 years. Dyer is a graduate of Marion City Schools. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Defiance […]

“For only a brief time in my teens and early twenties did I entertain the idea of leaving Marion for a career elsewhere,” said lifelong Marion resident Dean Jacob. “But I soon realized that all I ever wanted or needed was right here in my hometown: family, friends and opportunity. Marion has blessed my family […]

Opportunities in Marion gave Emma Fitzpatrick the launchpad she needed in her career. Fitzpatrick, now located in Nashville, has traveled around the globe leaving her mark in the film, television, and music industries. “I felt like growing up the arts were encouraged and valued,” Fitzpatrick says. Fitzpatrick began school at River Valley and transitioned to […]

James Elswick has lived in Marion since he was two years old. One interesting point about Elswick is his over 50 years of service to the community through Whirlpool. He is full of stories and memories of contributions to Marion. “I was the quintessential kid,” Elswick says of his childhood, “but a few oddball things […]

Jessica Coleman, the founder of Leading Ladies, is passionate about youth. “I hope I don’t ever forget what it’s like to be a child. I think that’s why I’m so great at interacting with them. I remember. I remember feeling unheard. I remember feeling like high school would never end or like middle school was […]