Obituary: Marion Ramsey Sweatmon, 1935 - 1916, via San Antonio Theatre Coalition (SATCO)

 

 

Marion Ramsey Sweatmon, born October 8, 1935, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Predeceased by his parents, Marvin Marion Sweatmon and Mamie Lee Sweatmon, he is survived by wife, Carol, son Ramsey Sweatmon, step-daughter Krystal Bly. He is also survived by his two daughters, Sheri Griffin of Houston, Laura Keller of Bandera, and former wife Jody Sweatmon of San Antonio.

Marion spent two years in California on a two-year acting scholarship to Pasadena Playhouse. He then returned to San Antonio and began his teaching career which lasted over 50 years. Schools included Jeff Davis Jr. High, Sam Houston H.S., Milford High School, Ohio, and then 38 years at John Marshall High School. In March, the auditorium there will be named after him. His influence on his students and his love of drama has been profound.

In the '60's he was Commander X on an afternoon program locally. He went to work at WOAI, where he was known as Mark Ramsey and co-anchored the evening news with Martha Buchanan and Frank Reynolds. He was then transferred to the flagship station in Cincinnati, Ohio, to produce and direct the MIDWEST HAYRIDE, as well as producing the Bob Braun show on television. Returning to San Antonio, in 1977, he went to Marshall where he taught until last year.

Marion acted in and directed in hundreds of plays throughout his career. He made many commercials, voice-overs and training films. He even had a role in the movie "Viva Max" filmed here in San Antonio. At the San Pedro Playhouse, (SALT), he originated and taught the Children's Academy. In the late '60s, he and two partners opened the BillBoard Theatre downtown on the Riverwalk.
  
But first, last and always, his favorite role was as theatre teacher. Many of his former students have gone on to professional theatre careers, including many who have taught theatre.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
MARION SWEATMON
FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Please join us to honor Marion as he takes a final bow.

 

 

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