Marion Biggerstaff

Marion Dyke Biggerstaff, better known as Sonny, age 85, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.  He was born on December 20, 1935 in a small frame home in Commerce, Texas to Marion Clark “Bill” and Aletha Marie Biggerstaff.

While growing up in Commerce, Marion loved being a lifeguard at the local pool and he competed in football, baseball, softball, boxing, swimming and basketball.  His favorite sport was basketball and was awarded a scholarship to Texas Christian University.

In lieu of sports, Marion pursued a career with the Dallas Federal Reserve and Mercantile National Bank before starting a career in public service in 1958.  After 23 years with the Dallas Fire Department he retired as a Chief’s Driver/Engineer in 1981.

After renovating the family home on a farm in Commerce, he extended his career in public service with Hunt County Sheriff’s Department before transferring in 1983 to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Through his career he served as a Correctional Officer and Sheriff’s Academy Instructor before completing his years of service as a Detective in 1995.

During his years with the Sheriff’s Department, he met and fell head over heels with the love of his life, Janelle “Jan” Biggerstaff.  He described Jan as “the brightest star that has ever shown on me”.  They married on February 10, 1984 in Red Oak, Texas with family and friends present. They successfully blended two families into one over their 37 years of marriage.

Marion is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Aletha Biggerstaff.  He is survived by his wife, Jan and their blended family of Doug Biggerstaff and spouse Colleen, Camille Ussery and spouse Mike, Larry Settles and spouse Janna, and Sherry Fox.  His brother, David Biggerstaff and spouse Lynda. Their union brought a blessing of numerous nieces, great-nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with more on the way.

In appreciation of their assistance in helping to honor Marion’s legacy of service in the Dallas community, the family requests that memorials be sent in lieu of flowers to:

Dallas Retired Fire Fighters Association

P.O. Box 237

Maypearl, TX 76064

https://www.dallasretiredff.com/