Memorials may be directed to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church or the Shenandoah Elks Lodge.

On July 29, 1936, Marlin Lee Tillman was born at the Hand Hospital in Shenandoah to Orville Lawson and Virginia Marie (Hutt) Tillman.  Marlin shared this birthdate with his father, which was only one day before his mother's birthday and seven days after his brother's birthday.  For his family, it was always, "Christmas in July!"  Marlin entered into eternal peace on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Accura Health Care in Shenandoah surrounded by his loving family.

Marlin was raised on the family farm outside of Essex.  He attended  Essex Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1955.  In February of 1956 he enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard.  He served his country with pride and honor until retiring in July of 1996 having obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

On April 5, 1958 he was united in marriage to Mary Jo Fletcher at the Nyman Lutheran Church.  The couple lived in Omaha following their marriage and returned to Shenandoah in the late 1960's.  They had just celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary.  Marlin was a lifelong farmer and caretaker of the land.  He also worked as a crop adjuster, was a Service Master business owner, operated Nishnaland Seed and was also a land developer.   He had devoted his life to bettering his community and country.   He was instrumental in bringing and growing the Community Based Outpatient Clinic for Veterans to Shenandoah.  He worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families.

Marlin was an Honorary Life Member of the American Legion Post #88 in Shenandoah, where he served as Post Commander for 2002-2003.  He served the American Legion as Seventh District Commander 2004-2005 and was elected Department Commander at the 2009 Department Convention for the 2009-2010 year.  His leadership was utilized in the Department of Iowa as Finance Commission Chairman, Convention Commission Chairman, Membership Committee Chairman, Legislative Commission Chairman and President of American Legion of Iowa Boys State.  On a national level, Marlin served on the National Security Council and the National Convention Resolutions Assignment Committee and was a member of ANAVICUS.      He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Shenandoah Elks Lodge #1122, was a councilman for the City of Shenandoah, was a member of the Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce and served on the American Legion Country Club Golf Board.  When time allowed he enjoyed playing a round of golf with his good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Mary Jo Tillman; brother Dennis Tillman and wife Rosamond; sister-in-law Evelyn Speicher; numerous nieces, nephews, dear cousins, other relatives and many friends.