Darwin A. Marlatt MD

Darwin A. Marlatt, M.D. January 10, 1925 – May 6, 2014 Darwin passed away on May 6, 2014 at age 89. He was born to Art and Carrie Marlatt and raised in Corning, Iowa; he was the younger of two sons. He met Janet, his childhood sweet heart in Corning. Darwin and Janet both lived a typical, happy and busy life in a small town during the great depression. Darwin attended Corning High School. He was an academically gifted student, participated in sports and the marching band. He was a talented trumpet player, winning national honors. Darwin formed a band called, “The Owls”, where he played the trumpet performing at events in the area. Darwin began his college education at Texas A&M University then attending Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He interrupted his college education at age 18 to proudly serve in the United States Army during WWII and was part of the 82nd Airborne paratroopers, 504th Regiment in Belgium, France and Germany. After the end of the war he served six months in Berlin as an honor guard assigned to peacekeeping. He returned home in 1946. Darwin and Janet were married in 1950 and she remained the love of his life for his remaining 64 years. Darwin received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Creighton University in 1951. The newlyweds moved to the Pacific Northwest where Darwin started his general medicine practice in Tacoma, Washington. He owned his practice for 37 years. He was involved in many organizations including Knights of Columbus, CYO, Pierce County Medical Association, and St. Joseph Hospital as well as assisting the Sisters of St. Francis with its hospital expansion in 1976. Darwin had many other interests, such as mountaineering, flying private airplanes, snow and water skiing, horseback riding, cooking, camping, chess, art, and playing the trumpet. He was an excellent designer, builder, and craftsman and built several of his own homes. He had great vision in seeing the potential in a multitude of land development projects. He loved to read and was constantly in pursuit of knowledge. Darwin believed that the highlights of his life were his marriage to Janet, his wife and soul mate, and secondly his four daughters and their families. Finally, he felt very honored to have great friends, faithful patients, and the Sisters of St. Francis involved throughout his life. Darwin is survived by wife Janet, four daughters and six grandchildren. He lived a very full life filled with God, family, friends, animals and love. He will be greatly missed. Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 on May 28, 2014 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church 10508 112th St SW Lakewood, WA 98498. Darwin A. Marlatt, M.D. will be resting in peace at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma, Washington. Please share memories and condolences or sign the online guest book at www.edwardsmemorial.com. Please no flowers, gifts, or donations.