SOUTH POINT — Faculty, staff and students at Tri-State Bible College are mourning the loss of their chancellor, former president and professor.
Dr. Clifford J. Marquardt died Dec. 21 at the age of 79, following his battle with cancer.
Marquardt served as an instructor at the college from 1973 to 1985. Following six years serving with Jewish Mission Boards, he returned to the college, becoming its president in 19995 and serving until 2009, when he became chancellor, a role he fulfilled until his passing.
“He was an icon here,” Bobby Mercer, the vice president for administrative affair at the college said. “He touched at least 2,000 students at the college, and he had ministries in Wayne, West Virginia and all along U.S. 52.”
Mercer said Marquardt was loved and respected by all who knew him.
“His legacy is forever present in the depth and breadth of all that is Tri-State Bible College,” she said. “In his 43-year association with the South Point institution, he was best known for his teaching and influence of Christian pastors and leaders.
Rex Howe, a graduate of both TSBC and Dallas Theological Seminary wrote of Marquardt’s passing.
“I will never forget his kindness and investment in me as a man and as a pastor,” Howe said. “Dr. Marquardt helped me find work. He over-prepared me for Greek at the seminary level. He counseled me in life and ministry. The Spirit of the Lord was with him, and I will be glad to visit with him again in Christ’s kingdom.”
Marquardt was born in Iola, Wisconsin, where he was raised on a dairy farm. He graduated from Wausau High in 1956 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960.
He attended DeVry Technical Institute, the University of Wisconsin, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moody Bible Institute. He received a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary.
Mercer said, in 2010, when TSBC needed a librarian with a Master’s Degree, Marquardt enrolled at Clarion University at the age of 73 and earned an MS in Library Science.
“He was a remarkable example that students of any age can succeed,” he said.
Under Marquardt’s leadership, TSBC obtained initial accreditation and reaffirmation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Marquardt also served as a staff chaplain at the Huntington VA Medical Center from 2003-2016.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Paula, two children and four grandchildren.
Marquardt was interred at Highland Memorial Gardens in South Point, where VFW Post #6878 conducted military graveside rites. Condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.timeformemory.com.