Marian Tisdal

Marian Caldwell Tisdal, age 75, of Clinton, OK, peacefully passed away in her home on October 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born January 19, 1950, in Durant, OK, Marian was a cherished daughter of William and Claire Caldwell. Her early life, spent chasing the thrill of barrel racing alongside her favorite horse, Fancy, and nurturing a deep love for horses, set the stage for a life defined by warmth and spirit. A proud graduate of Tulsa Memorial High School, Marian went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma. This educational foundation fueled a passionate, three-decade-long career as a teacher, during which she inspired countless students in Norman, Tulsa, and Clinton.

Marian married her beloved husband, Mart Tisdal, on October 3, 1970, and together they built a life rooted in family and community.

Marian's commitment to serving others was extraordinary. She spearheaded the creation of a vital backpack program through the Oklahoma City Food Bank to ensure no child in the Clinton public school system went home hungry over the weekend. Furthermore, Marian and her friends, who affectionately called themselves "The High Five," organized a fundraising effort that successfully developed and built the children’s playground in McLain Rogers Park.

Her remarkable contributions culminated in her being recognized as AMBUC of the Year in 2010 and Clinton’s Citizen of the Year in 2011. An active member of the PEO organization and many other civic groups, Marian was tireless in her dedication to uplifting her community. She also took great joy in gardening, a talent that earned her the recognition of being selected as Clinton's Yard of the Week on numerous occasions.

Marian leaves behind her loving husband, Mart Tisdal, of the home; a devoted son, Logan Tisdal, and his wife Lena, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and daughter, Julia Tisdal, of New York, New York; as well as her brother, Buddy Caldwell, and his wife Julie, of Norman, OK; and her sister, Nancy Day, and her husband Dean, of Tulsa, OK. She is also survived by a large and cherished extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins who carry forward the love and lessons she imparted throughout their lives.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Claire Caldwell.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 13, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 111 S. 28th St., Clinton, OK, with Doyle Kinney officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Clinton Public School Foundation, PO Box 822, Clinton, OK 73601 or The Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037.

Marian's legacy of love, unwavering strength, will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but also for her bright, positive spirit and the light she brought into the lives of everyone around her.