Who Are Marion’s Hometown Heroes?

MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion’s Hometown Heroes are the people—past and present—whose character, service, and everyday actions shape the heart of our community. They remind us that heroism isn’t defined only by national recognition, but also by the quiet, consistent ways people lift up those around them.

Our National Heroes include individuals whose accomplishments reached far beyond Marion: • Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States • Mary Ellen Withrow, the 42nd Treasurer of the United States

Their achievements placed Marion on the national stage and continue to inspire pride in our hometown.

Our Military Heroes represent generations of service and sacrifice. Among them is Army veteran Mike Crabtree, a retired firefighter who has dedicated himself to preserving the stories of Marion’s veterans dating back to the Civil War. Through the Marion Veterans Facebook page and the Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans website, he ensures that their legacies are never forgotten.

Our Community Heroes are the neighbors who step forward when they’re needed most:

• Dr. Heather Columber, an OhioHealth physician recognized for lifesaving action, including performing CPR to save a referee at a Pleasant High School basketball game

• Officer Dave Dunaway, honored by Modern Woodmen of America for his long-standing service with the Marion Police Department

• The Palace Guards—John Keggan, Frank Henson, Stephen Stuart, and four fellow citizens—who raised $600,000 in 1976 to purchase and restore the beloved Marion Palace Theatre, preserving a cultural treasure for future generations

And then there are our Everyday Heroes—the people who show up, day after day, to teach our children, care for the sick, keep our community running, and offer kindness when it’s needed most. Their impact may not make headlines, but it is felt everywhere.

Every corner of Marion holds a hero in some capacity. I encourage each of you to take a moment each day to recognize one. A smile, a kind word, or a simple “thank you” can mean more than you know.