Topeka – Marlan "Marty" Ernest Paulson, 88, of Topeka, KS, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 at his home in Topeka with his family by his side. He was born July 18, 1937 in Magnet, Nebraska the son of Harold and Agnes (Groper) Paulson.

Marty earned his GED and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. After serving in the U. S. Army, he attended and graduated from Western Baptist College in El Cerrito, California in 1969. His advocacy for bringing the joy and encouragement for the love of Christ was always his lifelong mission. He worked tirelessly as a pastor for 12 years in many locations.  Marty then worked for the Kansas Department of Education in the Maintenance Department and he would later own and operate his own construction company. Marty's real passion was serving God and inspiring others with his deep faith in sharing the message of Christ.

On January 26, 1957, Marty was united in marriage to Izetta Ann Bowen. They shared over 44 years of marriage before Izetta passed away on February 18, 2001. To this union they share three children; Laurie, Scott and Randy.

Marty married Judith Ann Watson Myers on May 7, 2006 in Topeka, Kansas. They shared over 19 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife Judith of the home; his children, Laurie Drinkard (Keith Sr.) of Oskaloosa, KS, Scott Paulson of Onion Creek, Washington, Randy Paulson of Topeka, KS, Suzanne Myers-Laird (Dan) of Clive, IA, Heather Ruckman (John) of Lawrence, KS and Hope Mohan (Rob) of Tecumseh, KS; brother, Raymond Paulson of Los Angeles, CA; 19 grandchildren, Keith Jr., Timothy, Andrew, Haley, Sierra, Garrett, Chase, Marisa, Madison, Carter, Collin, Maggie, Camden, Morgan, McLain, Cortlyn, Kinsley, Kellam and Kamryn; and 7 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Faye Bruss.

The family will greet friends from 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls, KS. Graveside services will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Hart Cemetery near Boyle, KS. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 A.M. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Topeka Baptist Church, 3301 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66614. Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Baptist Church or to the Tim Drinkard Ministry or to the Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.