Dr. Marty Marriott (1953-2026) | Memorial Service Recap April 24, 2026
Prelude and Processional
As relatives, ministry partners, students, and friends gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, Wisconsin, senior student Emma Bateman’s prelude filled the sanctuary while a collage of family photos portrayed highlights of Dr. Marty Marriott’s life.
When the congregation rose for the processional, Emma Bateman and faculty member Ruth Brown offered a piano duet medley of “Finally Home” and “I Shall Know Him,” the lyrics pointing to the present reality of Dr. Marriott “waking up in Glory and finding it ‘Home.’”
Praise in Song and Prayer
Son-in-law Joshua Roberts, missionary to Wales, led the congregation in singing “Arise, My Soul, Arise,” an anthem testifying of Christ’s atoning work. Brother-in-law Dr. Steve Love followed with prayer “to the God of the resurrection,” who lifts mourners beyond the “burden of death,” asking His comfort for family members and His blessing on the memorial service.
Welcome and Scripture Reading
Pastor Bob Loggans welcomed those present and read Psalm 116:15—“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints,” noting that while the day was marked by sorrow, it was also a celebration of Dr. Marriott’s faithful service to God. Thanking those in attendance, he recognized medical personnel; representatives of educational institutions and ministries; former church members from his ministry; fellow pastors; Baptist World Mission board members and staff; and Maranatha’s faculty, staff, and board members.
Longtime ministry friend Dr. Milton Jones read Ephesians 3:17–21, noting it was a fitting selection for Dr. Marriott, “a man of the gospel and of the church.” The passage is a prayer for believers to grow strong through faith, to be rooted and grounded in love, and to know God’s power within—all to His glory.
Eulogy and Funeral Message
With admirable composure, his son David presented the eulogy and message. He spoke of the honor of preaching his father’s funeral, having learned to preach from him. He mentioned pondering Job1:21 all week—“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” He quoted Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” explaining that to bless the Lord is to praise Him for who He is and what He has done. Thus, in grief, he blessed the Lord for the gift of his dad, recalling his father’s roles in his life, sharing stories.
Returning to the theme by citing 1 Peter 1:3–9, he listed reasons to bless God. The first reason is the gift of the new birth, which he illustrated by recounting his father’s conversion. While attending the University of Cincinnati and “chasing all the pleasures of the world,” his father was impacted by testimonies of an acquaintance and a coworker. One evening, confronted with the gospel, he called on the Lord to give him “a life worth living.”
David added three more reasons: for giving us a living hope, for an inheritance as His children, and for keeping His children through trials unto glory. He recalled with gratitude the six additional years God gave his father after his diagnosis of ocular melanoma—years of growth, new family members, and cherished time together, years during which his father became more gentle, patient, and gracious.
Songs and Testimonies
In transition, the congregation sang “Because He Lives,” a song that became Dr. Marriott’s favorite following his salvation.
Younger brother Dr. Randy Marriott shared a family perspective on his relationship with Marty, noting their eleven-year age gap. He described a “harder chapter,” when Marty began to “lose his way”—experimenting with alcohol and drugs and becoming estranged. Joyfully, he described Marty’s transformation and how a Christmas request—to have his family accompany him to church for four Sundays—led to their conversion as well.
Dr. Doug Jackson, speaking as a close friend, recounted his last conversation with Marty, a parting farewell filled with laughter and tears, which he likened to John 14 and the disciples’ sorrow as Christ’s death approached. He enumerated Marty’s roles, reminiscing about the years when they both pastored in Michigan.
Introducing another song, “Our Great Savior,” Joshua directed attention to the second verse: Jesus, what a help in sorrow! … even when our heart is breaking, He, my Comfort, helps my soul.”
Dr. David Anderson presented Dr. Marriott as both a boss and mentor—one who also sought friendship. He noted the apostles’ common greeting—“grace and peace,” with the addition of “mercy” in 2 Timothy 1:2, observing that mercy characterized Dr. Marriott’s life.
Dr. Davis read a tribute from former Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. John Brock, pausing to explain that the Brocks’ son married Dr. Marriott’s daughter. Dr. Brock emphasized the respect and trust Dr. Marriott earned, enabling him to navigate challenges while guiding Maranatha into university status, expanding online education, and reshaping its leadership structure.
Dr. Davis presented a co-worker’s perspective, reflecting on Dr. Marriott’s vision for Maranatha’s future. He quoted Hebrews 13:7–8: “Remember them … who have spoken unto you the word of God …” and remarked, “This is what we are doing this afternoon; we are remembering.” He highlighted Dr. Marriott’s strengths and the leadership that helped guide the university through significant existential threats.
Song and Family Testimonies
Leading another song, Joshua focused on the words: “Jesus Paid It All.” It was, he noted, Dr. Marriott’s testimony. Sin had left its mark, but the blood of Christ washed it white as snow.
Dr. Marriott’s wife, Miriam, expressed appreciation to those who had shown care. She recounted how they met and their early days “taking a risk” to plant a church. She spoke of his devotion as a husband and father, the decision to leave the pastorate for Maranatha, and their desire to use his cancer as an opportunity to witness to the medical staff.
Daughter Rachel shared family life from infancy to adulthood and the “gift” of knowing death was near—a catalyst for taking life more seriously, expressing love more often, valuing time together, forgiving quickly, exercising greater patience, and sharing God’s love with others.
Joshua testified to his father-in-law’s ability to read people and his willingness to change his opinion—something Joshua appreciated, having received a second chance. He also highlighted his ability to communicate God’s Word, balance priorities, and offer biblical counsel.
Daughter Rebecca focused on her father as a mentor—on the way he inspired greater achievement, the value he placed on education, and his conviction that “theology is for women too.” She spoke of her years as executive assistant and the relationship it fostered, giving her a “front row seat” to what she described as “God’s sanctifying work in him.” At her father’s request, she read the well-known blessing: “God be with you till we meet again …”
Choirs and Closing Prayer
The Maranatha choirs presented “Then Sings My Soul,” an arrangement of “How Great Thou Art.” The hymn underscores Paul’s triumphant words on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15—”O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
“Ministry son,” Pastor Troy Budreau, noted that the plans Dr. Marriott outlined for the memorial service were meant to draw attention to his Savior. Pastor Budreau invited all to join in a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging the call to live a life “self-emptied” for His glory.
As the family departed, Emma Bateman’s reprise lingered: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”
Committal
Family and guests gathered at Maranatha, spreading across the sloped east lawn, up the thirty-one stairs, and along the upper walkway, with Dr. David Anderson leading singing as people found their places. Once settled, two grandsons, Brad and Grant Brock, gave tribute to their grandfather, sharing Scripture passages they had discussed with him that had resonated deeply with them.
Son-in-law Dr. Bryan Brock gave a challenge, relating his last conversation with his father-in-law. Musing on that chat, he chose 2 Timothy 4 for the committal text, presenting three exhortations: stir up your spiritual gift and calling, share in suffering for the gospel, and be secure in your stewardship from God. The text echoed his father-in-law’s parting admonition: Don’t quit.
Speaking on behalf of Maranatha’s Board of Trustees, Dr. David Oliver recalled the cultural climate of 2010, when Dr. Marriott returned to serve as president. Colleges were declining, Christian institutions were closing, and others were abandoning core convictions. Under Dr. Marriott’s leadership, however, Maranatha expanded its academic offerings, strengthened its use of technology, and remained committed to its mission.
Dr. Oliver repeated words Rev. A. G. Brown delivered at Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s funeral: “We bid thee not farewell, but only for a little while…” He then closed with a prayer, thanking the Lord for His sanctifying grace.
Listen to the service here.