Marlin passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 at his home in Plainwell.
He was born August 26, 1939 in Plainwell, the son of Kenelm and Olive (Oswald) Digby. Marlin was an Otsego High School graduate and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. He had been an Otsego police officer, a salesman, independent truck driver and a farmer.
Marlin enjoyed flying planes and was a motorcycle enthusiast. He liked gardening, collecting and restoring old farm tractors and loved spending time with his family. He was a life member of the Plainwell VFW and member of the Plainwell and Otsego American Legion.
Surviving are his wife, Virginia Chapman-Digby; children, Tammy Ginebaugh of Hastings and Dana (Steve) Anderson of Plainwell; step-children, Brian (Shelly) Chapman of Otsego and Joni Glaze of Texas; 5 grandchildren, Brandon, Brian, Adam, Ryan and Melissa; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ken Digby, Charlene (Dan) Barnhart, Larry (Gwen) Digby, Lynn (Phyllis) Digby and Glenda Barnhart along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nieces and nephew, Debbie, Penny and Arnold.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
Burial of ashes will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later time.
Contributions in memory of Marlin may be made to the American Veterans organization of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Marlin L. Digby
Condolence Messages
Bonnie Livingston Goodacre
April 18, 2020 at 5:31 pm
So sorry for your loss, I remember Marlin from hs, he was a couple of years ahead of me, but he was a very gentle man as well as a gentleman. Condolences to the family and friends.
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ARTHUR TEITGEN
April 18, 2020 at 6:48 pm
My condolences to Marlin’s family! Marlin was a dear friend and fellow Veteran. He was a generous supporter of the VFW National Home For Children in Eaton Rapids, MI. Marlin will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. God bless, my friend.
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Penny Pulver Baker
April 18, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Thinking of you all at this tender time.
Penny Pulver Baker
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Mark z
April 18, 2020 at 8:57 pm
I met marlin at my work. He would come in and always had a smile and a story to tell. May God help this family with comfort as they go through a difficult time.
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Diana Barnhart
April 19, 2020 at 7:24 am
We’re so sorry for your loss. I remember Marlin as always smiling, happy to see us and happy with his world. He will be missed.
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Kelley Long Florian
April 19, 2020 at 1:02 pm
So sorry to here of Marlin’s passing Thought’s and prayers to the family. I’ve know him since I was a kid and he was always very kind I grew up around the family He will be missed
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VanDenBerg family
April 19, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Digby Family so sorry to hear of Marlin’s passing sending prayers to everyone….
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Kathi Dobbin Fuss
April 19, 2020 at 7:14 pm
Ginny and all the Digby family: So sorry to hear of Marlin’s passing! My thoughts and prayers are with you! So many memories!
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Kathi Dobbin Fuss
April 19, 2020 at 7:58 pm
Ginny and the Digby Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Marlin! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Memories are SO helpful!
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Patricia "Leonard" Clingenpeel
April 19, 2020 at 9:01 pm
Ginny & Family….My heart goes out to you at this time. I have not seen Marlin or the other kid’s since shortly after High School. But I remember his kindness & always wanting to help people. I knew Marlin & Ken, & went to school with Charlene…Thank the good Lord that you will one day see him again in God’s glorious Heaven…
Sincerely,
Pat “Leonard” Clingenpeel
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Patricia "Leonard" Clingenpeel
April 20, 2020 at 9:01 am
Ginny & family…I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Marlin back in our
school days & I went to school with Charlene…Marlin was a good
man who always tried to help people out. Thank God for our memories.
Sincerely,
Pat “Leonard” Clingenpeel
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Chet and Shirley Babrick
April 21, 2020 at 3:28 pm
You have our deepest sympathy for wife and family. Chet and Shirley
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Bill Brown
October 27, 2022 at 7:20 pm
My condolences to the family. I met Marlin when I bought a truck from him in 1978. I took a couple of road trips with him. He taught me how to truck long haul. I spent many evenings pre-trip planning at Marlin and Ginny’s kitchen table. I will miss him.
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