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Randy Marple

WHEN Randy L. Marple was elected Belmont County Clerk of Courts in 1984, his margin of victory was a “whopping” three votes. “In the past 26 years I wanted those three votes to count for something,” he said. “I owed the people of Belmont County a debt of gratitude and I wanted to repay that debt with dedicated, efficient service.”

Marple did that and a lot more. He did his job and did it well. He recounted the many improvements made in the operation of the office and the advancements which technology have provided. He said he and his staff took advantage of that technology and greatly improved the operations of the office. “Three votes gave me this opportunity to serve. I tried my best to make you proud of those three votes,” he said.

Marple never forgot his roots and he never lost sight of his dream. In his retirement address to the Belmont County Commissioners, he thanked his staff and the many friends who helped him persevere after going through some difficult times in his first term. “I have had an incredible journey,” he said.

“The time has come for me to move on…to do the things I love to do….teach, coach and act.”

You have to admire Marple. He is not afraid to tell the world that he loves his God and wants to expand his Eschatolgy (study of Prophecy) ministry. He said he has been writing a book on the subject and what he sees is happening to the world and Jesus’ love and strength to persevere the coming storm. He said he has held meetings on the subject at Friends Church and has given lectures in various places in Ohio.

We are confident that whatever Marple decides to do with the rest of his life, he will be a success at it, and it will bring him continued happiness and satisfaction.

Marple said the decision to give up his political career was not an easy one. It was done with much thought and deliberation. He said he has thoroughly enjoyed his work and expressed gratitude for the loyalty and dedication of the employees in the office. He said he had made many friends in the political arena and thanked them for their help and words of encouragement.

“The people of Belmont County have always been very supportive and I want to thank them for their many kindnesses over the years,” Maple said. “I have tried to treat the public as the scriptures say ‘love others as you yourself would want to be loved.'”

In his closing statement to the commissioners, Marple said, “If I could sum up my life, I would say, as Pastor Wayne Ickes so simply states, ‘The best example of Christ is a Christian and the worst example of Christ is a Christian.’ I have been both. But rest assured in the shed blood of my Savior Jesus Christ who died for my sins, that one day all tears will fade away, all anger lies and hatred will cease and the glory of God will be forever and ever.”

Farewell, Randy L. Marple. You have done your job well and have served your constituents with integrity and dedication. May you be blessed with happiness and success in whatever you decide to do with the rest of your life.

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