Pastor Rodney “Rod” Allen Marion, born June 27, 1955, in Minot, North Dakota, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and compassion.
Rod was the eldest of five children and is survived by his siblings Connie Roark, Bryan Marion, and Bobbie Henderson. He dedicated his life not only to his family but to his calling as a servant of God and his community.
After attending Friends Bible College in Haviland, Kansas, Rod met the love of his life, Nancy Watson. They were married on February 8, 1975, and shared 51 years together, building a life centered on faith, love, and service. Together they raised two sons: Shaun D. Marion, married Tui Vickers and had four children—Rantz, Kaili, Sydni, and Caleb; and Anthony A. Marion, who married Shelbi Krix and had one son, Jaxon.
For 31 years, Pastor Rod faithfully served with honor as the Senior Pastor at Gateway Nazarene Church in Mesa, Arizona. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He volunteered as the Protestant Minister for Arizona Project Challenge for 10 years, where he poured his heart into mentoring and supporting at-risk youth. He also served as volunteer Chaplin for Leading Edge Academy East Mesa, providing a team of volunteers who offered a weekly chapel services to approximately 100 children.
Pastor Rod will be remembered as a passionate man of God with a joyful, fun-filled spirit. Known for his vibrant personality, he often delivered his Sunday messages wearing brightly colored Hawaiian shirts—a reflection of the warmth and joy he brought to those around him.
A final service honoring Pastor Rod’s life will be officiated by his best friend for 30 years, Pastor Delmer Geesey, at Community Life Church in Gilbert, Arizona (717 W. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ) at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. In tribute to his colorful spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear casual, bright clothing.
Rod deeply loved his wife, Nancy, and admired her dedication to serving disadvantaged and homeless individuals in the community through her work with Community Housing Partnership. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to support this mission – https://www.chpaz.org/
Pastor Rod’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, boundless love, and joyful service. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Rest in peace from Lucy, Isaiah and Esther.
We were heartbroken to learn of Pastor Rod’s passing. We are sending our deepest and heartfelt love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time to his wife Nancy and .family. Pastor Rod meant the world to Paul and I. We will always remember him as a Pastor who was always there to share special prayers for anyone in need. We were always so grateful for the times he would simply sit with us with his patience , his open ears and compassionate heart to help get us through some if our darkest days.
Whenever any of us approached Pastor Rod with a prayer request or a personal crisis of our own he took that request to God with his arm around you. Pastor Rod would give you his undivided attention. He would give you his undivided attention while sitting with you in your doubts, fears and your grief offering you a safe and quiet space.
He fought for us through prayer and healed us by listening and adding some of his special humor.
While we will miss you terribly, Pastor Rod….we take comfort knowing you are now resting in the arms of the savior you served so faithfully for so many years. Your legacy will live on in our hearts that you touched so deeply.
Love, Debbi & Paul Long
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community
Rest in peace from Lucy, Isaiah and Esther.
We were heartbroken to learn of Pastor Rod’s passing. We are sending our deepest and heartfelt love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time to his wife Nancy and .family. Pastor Rod meant the world to Paul and I. We will always remember him as a Pastor who was always there to share special prayers for anyone in need. We were always so grateful for the times he would simply sit with us with his patience , his open ears and compassionate heart to help get us through some if our darkest days.
Whenever any of us approached Pastor Rod with a prayer request or a personal crisis of our own he took that request to God with his arm around you. Pastor Rod would give you his undivided attention. He would give you his undivided attention while sitting with you in your doubts, fears and your grief offering you a safe and quiet space.
He fought for us through prayer and healed us by listening and adding some of his special humor.
While we will miss you terribly, Pastor Rod….we take comfort knowing you are now resting in the arms of the savior you served so faithfully for so many years. Your legacy will live on in our hearts that you touched so deeply.
Love, Debbi & Paul Long