Dr. Marion Miller Rundell
Dr. Marion Miller Rundell, 76, passed away on November 7, 2023, in Houston Texas surrounded by his family. He was born on December 31, 1946, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Katie Eugenia Doniphan Rundell and Francis Marion Rundell.
Marion grew up in Pineville, Louisiana, where he was one with the environment. As a child, he spent time exploring the woods, often collecting items, hunting, fishing, and catching snakes. Marion loved the trees, the hills, the animals – all critters and wildlife. He developed a special bond with his mother as they shared a love for the outdoors and the pursuit of knowledge. Marion’s father was a great storyteller and passed that skill down to his sons. Marion and Ed were known to banter and tell stories at every family gathering.
Marion graduated from Pineville High School in 1964. He was active in Key Club and elected one of twelve International Trustees during his senior year. In 1968, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Louisiana Polytechnic University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of the ETA ZETA Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Upon graduation, he worked two years for Standard Oil of California in San Francisco. With a desire to practice medicine, he earned a medical degree at Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans. He then completed a pathology residency program at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas. Following his residency program, Marion joined Clear Lake Pathology Associates in Webster, Texas. In 1990, he received a patent to enhance medical proficiency by utilizing voice recognition programming to input information directly into the patient database. Marion was a great asset to the medical community. In 2021, he closed his private practice to retire from pathology, after 45 years of serving patients at Clear Regional Medical Center.
Marion was loyal to his Louisiana roots, and very proudly restored Bocage Plantation, being one of the best examples of Greek Revival style in the states. He valued world history and particularly his country’s as he was a patriot.
Marion was a romantic at heart. Everything he did was done with passion. He put a tremendous amount of energy into love and celebrated relationships with others. He lived his life to the fullest, knowing that the only thing a person possesses is time. While he loved spending his time acquiring knowledge, art, and antiques, he valued spending time with loved ones more than anything. He loved to share his experiences and knowledge with others. He fought for every moment he was given and, in the end, all he wanted was just a little more time.
Marion is preceded in death by his parents Katie and Francis Marion Rundell and his half-brother, Marion Francis (Dooley) Rundell. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his daughter, Kristy Rundell; his sons, Alexander Rundell and Dr. David Rundell; his grandchildren, Sady Rundell, Max Rundell, Molly Rundell, Marley Rundell, and Leo Rundell; his brother, Ed Rundell and sister-in-law Judy Rundell; nieces, Martha Crenshaw and Dr. Sarah Risen; nanny, Lioubov Detsyk; lifelong friend, Billie Golden; and other family members, friends and pets.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be DaShaun Benton, Thomas Crenshaw, Jonas Risen, Simon Risen, Alex Rundell, and Sady Rundell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. David Duthu and Dr. Dave Gill, Jason Handler, and Adrian Trevino.
As a lover of animals, Marion asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Cenla Alliance for Animals at www.cenlaallianceforanimals.com or another reputable no-kill animal rescue establishment.
Please help Joy to achieve her mission in supporting families by giving to Canine Comfort.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (lutheranchurchcharities.org)
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 East Medical Center Boulevard, Webster, TX.
A private family burial follows the service.
Dr Rundell was a true southern gentleman. Always kind, generous and thoughtful. Truly a remarkable man that will always be remembered. Best wishes to his family.
Marion had a vision for Taylor Lake Estates that has resulted in a very positive impact on many people’s lives.I served on the architectural control committee with Marion and was always amazed by the depth of his knowledge. As Mayor of TLV I am grieving by the loss of a friend and outstanding resident.
Mayor Jon Keeney
The Doctor and I go back to the time he moved into the home on Clear Lake. He was a perfectionist in so many ways, but was quick to forgive. I know the family will miss him as well as myself. As time goes by we all will have fond memories of him, and the impact that he had on everyone that crossed paths with him.
Ed it has been a long time since we last saw each other I remember Marion well and the time I got to spend with him in Texas. He was quite the character. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Sandy
We were Marion’s next door neighbor in the early days of Taylor lake Estates, just like the Mayor and neighbor, I was on architectural committee and was the only gal, I became a connaseur of period architecture, thanks to Marion’s vision. Taylor Lake Estates is his legacy and gift to all who lived there as it gr
Dr. Rundell was a client of mine for over 15 years as well as a great friend. He was a perfectionist which was wonderful for me as a Banker. I financed the original purchase of Bocage as well as a refinance. I was able to live vicariously through him and loved seeing him turn Bocage from an ugly duckling back into a beautiful Swan. I have enjoyed every minute of our friendship and will greatly miss him.
Funny story: When he bought Bocage, he told me the previous owner left the furniture, but it was garbage, so they dumped it out on the road for trash pickup. I told our Credit Officers about this as most of them were from Louisiana. They wanted to drive to Bocage and go through the furniture to see if there was something worth salvaging. We were Hibernia Bank at the time. They loved the fact he was a Louisiana native and the fact he had done so well and came home and restored Bocage to its original grandeur.
I knew Marion from our time at Louisiana Tech and the Sigma Nu fraternity. He tutored me trigonometry and I credit him for getting me through the course. He had this wit about him and kept me laughing when I visited with him. When he graduated from Tech, he had been offered a job with Chevron in California and was looking forward to surfing. I last saw Marion while he was in medical school in New Orleans. Over the last few years we kept in touch through Facebook. I will miss him.
As one of Marion’s fraternity Brothers, I want to tell you about the man I knew and respected who told me of the love he had for his family and the duty he felt for them which grew to be the icon of a good! Marion entered Eta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity on the foundation as a good man and grew throughout his life to become an even better man leaving behind contributions to improving the lives of others as well as the love for his family which are examples for our lives as well.
Marion was my friend. My mentor. An encourager. He was the man responsible for getting me through transition, and helping me see who God made me to be. His belief in my potential was the reason I went back to school and earned my degrees. The reason I survived unbelievable hardship. The reason I am here today. He always made time for those he valued, and his heart was as big as his love for antiques and art. My heart aches for his children right now, and all those whose lives he made such a difference in. He will be sorely missed.
I am so sad to just know learn of Marion’s passing in July. His son Alex swam and played water polo with my son at Lake high School. Dr. Rundell was actively involved and always made sure the program was supported financially and he was active at the meetings. Alex and Nick, I am so sorry for your loss!
I’m sad to hear of Marion’s passing. He and I have been friends for over 30yrs. You will be missed my friend.