The Rt. Rev. Charles Gresham Marmion, the fifth Bishop of Kentucky, died Dec. 7 at his home in Louisville. He was 95.

He was consecrated Bishop of Kentucky in 1954 and served the diocese for 20 years. Under his guidance, parishes were encouraged to be fiscally responsible and a fund was created to assist with various construction projects, including the founding of All Saints' Episcopal Center, the diocesan camp and retreat center.

He provided leadership during an intense period of civil rights activity in the diocese and was strongly committed to the church taking a firm stand on issues of moral and human values.

During the diocese's companion relationship with Haiti, he provided frequent Episcopal services for five years following the expulsion of the bishop there. Bishop Marmion supported the ecumenical impulses associated with Vatican II and contributed to the national liturgical revision efforts of the Episcopal Church.

"He was the consummate pastor," said the Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr., the current Bishop of Kentucky. "What I most admired about him is that everything he did, whether it was helping an elderly lady with her taxes or performing some duty for the Presiding Bishop, he did it to the fullest extent."

In his 90s, Bishop Marmion remained committed to his life-long work of pastoral care and would lead sing-alongs at the Episcopal Church Home in Louisville. "He was taking home communion to people up until the end," added Bishop Gulick.

Bishop Marmion was born Aug. 19, 1905, in Houston. He is survived by his wife, Doris, and daughters Beverley Marmion, Sally Seiler and Dana Breidenstein; a brother, the Rt. Rev. William H. Marmion, retired Bishop of Southwestern Virginia; and two grandchildren.

He earned a business degree from the University of Texas and graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary. Before his election to the episcopate, he was rector of St. John's Church, Columbus, Christ Church, Eagle Lake, St. George's, Port Arthur, and Incarnation, Dallas, all in Texas.