Francis “Marion” Pilant, 83 of Clinton, Missouri passed away Friday, April 4, 2025 at Adair Village in Clinton, MO following a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Upon receiving his cancer diagnosis, Marion decided to pray for God’s healing only. On April 4th he received the answer to that prayer. He was born in Urich, MO, the son of Carmel Pilant and Frances Mae (Henry) Pilant.
As a child he helped both his mother and father on the farm. He didn’t like some of the chores much, but did them anyway. He was active in 4-H in his youth. He was a 1959 graduate of Clinton High School.
Marion worked closely with his father as carpenters from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. Marion and his dad had a special relationship. They never had disagreements. They had lots of fun together. Marion was a great fixer of many things and went throughout the city of Clinton and beyond. He did it all except for heating and cooling. The best part of these years was him knowing that he was helping people. He helped cousin Morris put on a roof and build on an extra room. He enjoyed going to garage sales.
In 1953, at the age of 12, Marion and his parents joined Drake’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Brother Fly. Marion, always the first to arrive on Sunday mornings, getting the coffee ready for everyone. His coffee cup remains. Sundays ended with him picking up the trash and taking it with him to dispose of. Over the years his finger prints are all over the church, including the steeple. Marion was a silent angel who did wonderful things for people who were having a hard time. You would not know it unless you were the receiver of such a gift or helped him in his ploy. He tried his very best to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world.
Marion was just a guy, a great guy that loved Jesus and tried to live his best life for Him everyday.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and cousins, Jeanie Eberting, Keith Henry, Murle Pilant and Jerry Henry.
Marion is survived by cousins, his “sister”, Betty Grace Riffel, Wanda Thurnau (Gary), Judy Manuel (Bob), Mary Lynn Pilant, Morris Pilant (Karen), and Don Henry; his church family, among them, Margie Briggs and Billie VanSlyke, who sat with him through his final hours; and additional special friends. In later years he enjoyed Betty Hull’s company.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Drake’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Pastor Margie Briggs will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., just prior to the service. Burial will be in the Drake’s Chapel Cemetery. Marion will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Drake’s Chapel Cemetery. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home or mail to Drake’s Chapel Cemetery, P.O. Box 322, Clinton, MO 64735. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
