Michael "Mike" Marah

Michael Christopher Marah was born September 24, 1992, in Springfield, Missouri, and departed his earthly life on April 8, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 29 years, 6 months, and 19 days. Michael was born to Tara (Marah) Marsanick and Chris Bell. When Michael was 4 years old he met and fell in love with his dad, Kevin Durden. On November 13, 2021 Michael married his very own fairytale princess, Carolyn Mueller.

For those that knew Michael, they knew love, kindness, Jesus, and especially laughter. He was always making people laugh with his quick wit, a joke, or his animated storytelling. Michael loved people and cared deeply. He was the first to step up and offer help to anyone in need.

From the time he was young he had a personal relationship with Christ, making a formal profession of faith as a teenager. When Michael was 18 years old he answered the call to preach. Michael spent many days and nights ministering to people in need. When Michael was 14 years old he was able to go on a mission trip to an Indian reservation in Minnesota. This trip changed Michael and his view of the world. He spent everyday from then on trying to make his piece of the world a better place.

Michael enjoyed life. He loved being a husband and spending time with Carolyn. They especially enjoyed playing video games, watching TV, and just relaxing after a busy day together. He had a special bond with his mom. They spent as much time together as possible. These occasions were always full of laughter and love. He looked forward to his Sunday afternoons with his dad watching a Nascar race, a baseball game, or playing video games. Michael loved being outside. Fishing with his Nene was one of his favorite things. Family was so important to Michael. Anytime he could be with family and friends he was happy. He looked forward to the Mueller and McConkey get togethers. These families quickly became more than in-laws. They were his family and he loved every minute spent with them.

Michael is preceded in death by step-grandfather, James Endicott, step-grandmother, Deborah Marsanick, and a multitude of others that never had the opportunity to know the young man he grew to be.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, his mother and step-father, Tara and Kyle Marsanick, his dad, Kevin Durden, in-laws, Joseph and Laura Mueller, and biological father, Chris Bell, grandparents, Teresa Endicott, Larry and Marylin Marah, Phillip and Sue Durden, George and Lisa Birkinbine, Raymond and Glenda Bell, and step grandfather, John Marsanick, sister-in-law, Ellen Mueller, brother-in-law, David Mueller and girlfriend Debra Evers, and a host of other family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.