Samuel "Sam" Howard Marlin

Samuel H Marlin, 63, of Natchez, La passed away the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 in his home. Sam was born to Alice and Howard (Skip) on May 1, 1953, in Brawley, California. He lived in El Centro until 1963, moved to Calexico where he helped his father with the milk route and graduated class of 1971. He married Laurian M. Sheppard on April 6, 1973, in Winterhaven, CA. They lived in El Centro, CA until 1986, when they separated. Together they had 2 daughters Justine (Tina) and Samantha (Sammy) and he worked as a tire man and then as a mechanic at several places including Curry's Chevron, Womack Motors, Del Norte Chevrolet and Mr. Good Wrench. He later met Francine Rachal. They lived in El Centro and had 2 children Katie and Samuel (Robby) until they moved to Natchitoches, La in 1994. They lived on Cane River till 1996 when they moved to Natchez, La and got married. In 2003 they had another son, Frank Joseph (Frankie). While living in Natchez he “adopted” several children including Tyra Issac, Asha Helaire, Christopher Johnson, Brynna Welling, Duncan Stoker and John Reese. He worked at Conagra, now Pilgrim’s Pride for over 20 years till his illness took its toll on him. He spent the remainder of his life with his family and close loved ones. He was a tough man with the biggest heart. No one was ever left out on the street and everyone knew that they always had a home at Sam’s house. He loved camping, fishing, drinking and grilling. He is survived by his wife, Francine Rachal-Marlin; children, Samantha Eads, Katie Rachal and husband Dylan Cook, Samuel (Robby) Marlin and Frank Joseph (Frankie) Marlin; His grandchildren, Samuel (Jimmy) Marlin and wife Robyn. Jason (Luka) Fagundes, Joshua (Josh) Downs, Daniel (Danny) Downs, Harley Eads, Wyatt Eads, Maddison Eads and Rylee Marie Cook; great-grandchildren Skylar and Oliver Marlin; Siblings Carolyn Evans and husband Luther and Tony Marlin and wife Lori; and numerous other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Alice and Howard (Skip) Marlin of Calexico Ca. Also his mother in law Maxine Rachal and father in law Frank of Cane River, La. 2 daughters Justine (Tina) Downs and Tyra Issac both of Natchez The family will be having a memorial service/ gathering January 14. For location please contact a Family member.