Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10:26 am

Tom Marlowe, age 90 went home to be with The Lord on Thursday, May 21, 2026 while being cared for at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

A quiet man by nature, he always said "laughter is good for us" and could tell a joke with a straight face. He had a wide field of interests throughout his life, including deer hunting, anything mechanical, elk hunting in Colorado and farming. He was known for his love of animals, especially his sister's dog, Jackson.

Tom was a graduate of the R.S. Central High School Class of 1956 and was employed by Stonecutter Mill until it closed in 1999 with a career spanning almost 50 years.

As a member of Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton, NC, he served as deacon, assistant treasurer, choir member, kitchen worker, and other church duties. He loved his role as "the candy man" and issued candy every Sunday morning to the congregation. His number one calling was visiting the residents of the area rest homes.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mattie Abrams Marlowe; stepmother, Eula Jackson Marlowe and by the love of his life Frances to whom he was married for forty-eight years until her death in 2004.

He was fiercely loved by his family and friends. Survivors include his daughter, Debbie Carver and husband Alan; son, Mark Marlowe; grandchildren, Dr. Chris Marlowe and Eric Marlowe; twin brother, John Marlowe; sister, Dorothy Marlowe Parrish; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Tom also leaves behind a very special niece Trish Parrish, DVM who he considered a second daughter; "girlfriends" Carole Leslie, Cheryl Hamrick and Beverly Faulkner; special friends, Les Fleming, Johnny Bennett, Luther King, Jake Terry and Charles Smith; extra special caregivers, Josie Fleming and Beverly Faulkner.

Funeral services were held May 24, 2026 at Second Baptist Church, Rutherfordton with Rev. Chad Dillard and Rev. Brandon Wood officiating. Tom was laid to rest in Rutherfordton City Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family of Tom Marlowe.