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MARIE Earl Samuel Marie, USAF Ret., was born Aug 15, 1923 Houston, TX, passed away in San Antonio on January 4, 2014. He is survived by his Daughter Lynda Marie Taylor of Ft Worth; son Robert Marie of Round Rock; Grandchildren Hunter & Robyn Marie; Nieces Denise Johnston & Terri Crowell; and nephew Ray Thompson III. After his retirement from the Air Force he returned to employment in the oil business. He first began this pursuit at the age of 13 his first year in high school when he was employed in the Geological Department of Gulf Oil as a Office Boy and continuing each summer thereafter thru college. He was Manager of Exploration Production, Drilling & Land for the Sigmor Corporation when acquired by Diamond Shamrock. At that time he elected to become an Independent to manage his own oil & gas interests and other investments. In addition to his interests above he and the late Orphy Neathery enjoyed a large and successful real estate development in Corpus Christi they developed as partners. He was a graduate of the University of Houston; Emeritus member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists; a long time member of the South Texas Geological Society and the Retired Officers Association. During WW II while flying 51 combat missions out of Italy as an Enlisted Lead Bombardier with the 783rd Bomb Squadron, he was awarded a Combat Appointment to 1st Lt ; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Eastern Africa Middle Eastern Theater with 6 campaign stars and two Presidential Unit Citations. Forty years later when his Squadron held their first reunion he was honored by being selected to serve as their first President. Honorary Pall Bearers will be all the members of the 783rd Bomb Squadron Association both past and present. He requested special thanks be given Doctors Robert Schnitzler; Rodney Carry; Tommy Swann, Joe Murgo & their staffs for their excellent care that extended his quality of life many years allowing him to travel to Tahiti, Alaska, Southern Mediterranean Area, Australia & New Zealand after having celebrated his 8Oth birthday. A graveside service only with full military honors will begin at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Sam Marie

August 15, 1923 - January 4, 2014