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In memory of

Gary M Marquez

Tucson, AZ, USA

April 27, 1954 - July 6, 2020

Apr 27, 1954 - Jul 6, 2020

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Gary Marquez, a resident of Tucson, Arizona, and pastor of North Swan Baptist Church, was carried in the arms of Jesus to his eternal home on Monday, July 6, 2020, at the Southern Arizona Veterans Hospital due to complications of COVID-19. His life is one marked with an unparalleled commitment to service and faith in Jesus Christ.

Gary was born in Newbury Park, California, on April 27, 1954, to Joyce and Larry Marquez. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974 and soon after graduating Boot Camp married the love of his life, Dianna K. Lawson. In 1975, Petty Officer Gary Marquez supported Operation Babylift, when 2,000 Vietnamese and Asian-American orphans were airlifted from Saigon in the waning days of the war on orders from U.S. President Gerald Ford. Gary processed paperwork at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station in southern California for children numbed by the horrors of war coupled with the loss of their parents.

After completing his military service in 1978, Gary and Dianna moved to Texas, where Gary became an insurance representative for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of America. In 1981, he moved to Tucson, AZ with his wife and daughter to be a District Manager for the Equitable. Soon after arriving in Arizona, the Marquez Family welcomed their son in to the world in 1982.

In 1981, the Marquez Family joined North Swan Baptist Church, where Gary served as a trusted Deacon and Congregational Song Leader. In 1986 Gary resigned his position with the Equitable and accepted God’s call to preach as Pastor of North Swan Baptist Church. Pastor Gary Marquez graduated in 1990 from Covington Theological Seminary, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. Between 1990-1992, Gary and Dianna’s family grew to include two more sons.

Pastor Gary served North Swan Baptist Church and the community of Sothern Arizona for over 35 years. Pastor Gary baptized a dozen people in 2019, and hundreds more throughout his ministry. He loved people and he loved evangelism. In 2011 Pastor Marquez led his church to be a major contributor in Crossover Phoenix-Tucson, an outreach effort accompanying the annual meeting for the Southern Baptist Convention. At Crossover, Gary organized 35 churches across Southern Arizona to hold Gospel events where thousands attended and 135 individuals made professions of faith.

Pastor Gary Marquez is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dianna K. Marquez; his children: Kate Marquez (Clayton Robideau), Dr. Andrew Marquez (Jennifer), Vincent Siqueiros, and Freddy Siqueiros; his grandchildren: Caleb, Joshua and Silas Marquez; Lawson and Elliott Marquez-Robideau (coming November 2021); his brothers: John, Robert, and Richard; his sister Linda Coverly (Mike); loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of long-time friends. His family thank him for his Christ-like example, love, devotion, hard-work, and excellence in every endeavor. Sweetheart, Dad, and Grandpa, you will be sorely missed. We love you!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the memorial service has been delayed for the past year. The family is honored to now invite the community to celebrate his life. Service will be held at North Swan Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11 a.m.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Carden Christian Academy Central.

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