Marlin R. Longenecker, businessman, fisherman

Marlin Ross Longenecker, 84, of Lewes and Rock Hall, Md., formerly of Elizabethtown, Pa., passed away at his home Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, after a long illness. Born in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of the late Victor and Mary (Strickler) Longenecker.

Marlin was a member of the First Church of God in Elizabethtown. A man of many vocations and passions, from businessman to hunter to fisherman, he established two businesses - Tropical Treat, and Trop Gun Shop in Elizabethtown. A fishing captain in Delaware, he piloted his beloved Gravel Gertie, and caught sharks for the National Aquarium in Baltimore. He also greatly enjoyed hunting on his goose farm in Maryland. He will be remembered fondly as an excellent storyteller. His many experiences and way with words lent humor and wisdom to his tales, which were fascinating to listen to.

Marlin is survived by his two children: Dennis J. Longenecker, husband of V. Louise of Elizabethtown, and Debra J. Hawthorne, wife of Timothy J. Sr., of Mount Joy, Pa.; two grandchildren: Stacy A. Longenecker of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Joshua M. Kling of Hershey, Pa.; sister Alma Shank, wife of Benjamin of Maryland; and his former wife, who he continued to share a friendship with, Geraldine Longenecker. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Wetzel.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 12, at the First Church of God, 144 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, with the Rev. Mark Yarger officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Elizabethtown Mennonite Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N. Market St., Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund at his church at the address above.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.MillerFuneralHome.com