About Us

Meet Marlan Gary

Meet Marlan Gary

Marlan James Gary, a highly accomplished Funeral Director and Embalmer, was born on July 13, 1969 in Warren, Ohio.  Raised by his mother, Deborah Gary, he went on to become a proud 1987 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School, actively participating in the school's Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz Bands.


After completing his schooling, Marlan served his country by enlisting in the Ohio Army National Guard, before pursuing his career passion in Middletown, Ohio.

Marlan James Gary, a highly accomplished Funeral Director and Embalmer, was born on July 13, 1969 in Warren, Ohio.  Raised by his mother, Deborah Gary, he went on to become a proud 1987 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School, actively participating in the school's Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz Bands.


After completing his schooling, Marlan served his country by enlisting in the Ohio Army National Guard, before pursuing his career passion in Middletown, Ohio.

There, he had the privilege of joining Hall & Jordan Funeral Homes, serving communities across Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Middletown.


As part of his commitment to excellence, Marlan pursued higher education at Miami University and later graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. With this in hand, he moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1992 to embark on a business venture with his uncle, launching a funeral home on Main Street in the historical area of Bexley.


In his personal life, Marlan is an active member of his local church, the Triedstone Baptist Church. He has served as an Armor Bearer to Bishop Jerome Ross, he was appointed as a Trustee in 1996 and subsequently ordained as a Deacon. He continues to serve under the leadership of Overseer Dale D. Tucker Sr.


The turn of the millennium saw Marlan managing daily operations of the Gary Memorial Chapel under the mentorship and direction of his uncle David Gary; From interfacing with bereaved families and preparing viewings to overseeing account receivables and coordinating staff, Marlan's stewardship encompassed every aspect of the funeral service.


In 2007 God opened up a door and the Marlan Gary Funeral Home, The Chapel of Peace was birthed at 2500 Cleveland Ave. , Columbus, Ohio.  In 2016 the first expansion of the business occurred with the opening of the East Chapel at 5456 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio.


In 2021 things came full circle and Marlan was given the opportunity to purchase a business originally founded by David Gary and sold to Pamela Williams Briggs who cared for and grew the

business for 40+ years.  In 2023 The Porter Qualls Funeral Home was purchased in Springfield making us ONE FUNERAL HOME, 4 LOCATIONS. During this time he also opened up Deb’s Event and Celebration Center, Memories Flowers Gifts & More and Everlasting Print and Graphics, with the goal of making us a one stop shop.


As he continues his work, Marlan remains steadfast in his service to God, his church, and families in their time of need. He brings passion, commitment, and empathy to his business, his ministry, and his sterling reputation in the industry.


Marlan is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and member of Buckeye State Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors and

Morticians Association and National Funeral Directors Association; Lifetime Member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Mighty Mu Iota Chapter, Lifetime member of The NAACP and member of The Greater Linden Business Network.


He is married to D'Andrea Cordell Gary and a father to David and Kennedy Gary.