Nathaniel Levi Marcum

Nathaniel Levi Marcum, 40 of Eaton, Ohio, died Sunday, December 27, 2020 at his residence. He was born on July 1, 1980 in Dayton, Ohio. He had worked in the construction industry and had also worked at Neaton, D & M. Tool in Lewisburg. He had attended Tri-County North School. Preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents: Charles & Betty (Ferguson) Shisler; Paternal Grandmother: Dora Marguerite Marcum. 

Survived by his Parents: Karen Sue Shisler and Larry W. Marcum; Son: Landen Marcum; Daughter: Kearraha Marcum; Brothers: Zachary (Regan) Shisler, Lucas Marcum and Samuel Gebhart; Sisters: Larren Williams, Wendy Deaton and Amber Patton; Nieces & Nephews: Layne, Allie, Thelma, Dylan, Audrey, Maryanna, Maria, Ella Mae, Kelsey, Caelan, Gavin, Zoa and Kiya. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and a host of friends. 

Nathaniel never wanted to be defined only by his addiction and mistakes… he was a handsome, intelligent young man who fell into its grip. It can happen to anyone. He was funny and kind and would do anything for anyone and always lit up the room with his smile and sense of humor even while struggling with his demons. He loved his family deeply and would play with every child he came across. Nathaniel believed strongly in second chances, maybe because he  craved another chance for himself and other addicts, Heroin told him, “I can make you feel accepted, I can make you feel alright, I can make you feel worthy, I can make you feel normal, I make you feel loved and I can make you feel nothing and make you feel like everything will be okay.” 

What it didn’t tell him was how it would devastate his family and tear it apart, take his job and leave him penniless, take his home and make him homeless. How it would take his sparkle and smile, how it would take his  humor and how it would take and take and take until it took his life   after the first time using heroin, it had a grip on him Some of his friends were using it, and he decided to use it too… the cravings are so strong and the fear of withdrawal is so great. Opioid addiction can be treated… Treatment helps people stop using drugs and helps them get through withdrawal and cope with cravings. If you are currently suffering and need help please reach out, there is hope and a way out. 

Just weeks ago, he helped save the life of a fellow addict who was overdosing. He performed CPR on her until help arrived. If it would not have been for him, she would have died. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Community of Faith, 400 N. Commerce St., Lewisburg, Ohio. Arrangements Entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, Lewisburg, Ohio. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you are required to wear a facemask prior to entering the church and practice social distancing. 

Condolences may be sent to the family via the Guestbook at www.barnesfuneralhome.com