donald Lee Marler
Agency: Harrisonville Police Department, MO
Donald Lee Marler served with the Harrison Police Department for two years.
Officers Marler and Wirt were shot and killed when they were ambushed by a suspect while walking their beat. The suspect approached them and opened fire with a M-1 rifle. Both officers fell to the ground wounded.
As they pleaded for their lives the suspect shot and killed them both. The suspect then shot and killed three citizens and wounded several others before committing suicide.
Officer Marler is survived by his wife and child.
Reflections:
Don, I never met you, but I was very good friends with your son, Nathan, when we were in junior high school. He was only 2 when you were killed, so he didn't really remember you, but I know he was very proud of you. I remember sitting in his room while he showed me photos of you and your obituary, etc. He grew into a fine young man and you'd be very proud of him. Though his mom remarried, he kept your last name and never forgot who his dad was.
Marc Baetsch
On this upcoming 40th anniversary, I would like to thank all of those who have given all to protect the communities they so loved. Although I mourn for the father and life with him that I will never know, I know he passed doing what he was called to do. Thank you all for the kind thoughts and remembrances of my beloved father and hero.
Nathan Marler
Son
Don, I know you loved law enforcement and that you served very honorably. I still miss you every day and am so thankful to have Nathan who is a wonderful testament to the love we shared. I will love you always. Darlene
Darlene Marler Hardy
Wife/widow
I was 10 years old and I will never forget that day. My Mom worked on the north side of the Square three stores down from the Allen Bank. We were sitting in the car with Dad waiting for Mom to get off. I remember the seeing the vehicle park on the right side of N. Independence right next to the Bank just few cars from us on the opposite side, with the guys in it who did the shooting. We picked up Mom drove by them they got out of the car, when got on the south side of the square we waved at the Officers. When we go to the 4-way stop we heard the gunfire. I remember Officer Marler he gave me a ride from school one day, I talked to him about being a Policeman and that I like watching Adam-12. He was nice man. Harrisonville held a remembrance ceremony a few years ago and retired their badge numbers, I was there in my Police Uniform. I will never forget that day they were shot or Officer Marler.
Patrolman Ronald Reeves
Drexel, MO
I never met Don but did have the privilege of meeting his widow and son a few years ago. As I reflect on that weekend three years ago in Harrisonville, where Frank and Don were remembered and honored, my heart and prayers go out to the friends and families of the fallen ones who have recently died through senseless acts of misguided revenge. Their courage and service to our communities will never be forgotten.
Dan Wirt
Partner's Brother
I was born and raised in Harrisonville. I did not know Officers Marler and Wirt personally. But their deaths became the defining moment in my teenage years. Because of this I have purchased memorial bricks in their honor that will be placed at Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park, Angel Fire, New Mexico. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. I am told these bricks will probably be placed later in the afternoon. It has now been more than 45 years since these brave men were brutally slain. But I want to make sure their memory endures.
Concerned Citizen
References: