Man Dies In House Fire In Mayes County

One man is dead and another person injured after a house fire in Mayes County early Wednesday.

A neighbor passing by noticed the smoke and flames, several miles east of Salina in Mayes County.

On a hill just off Kenwood Road, east of Salina, is where 86-year-old John Marble lived for many years, surrounded by several family members who loved him.

His mobile home was destroyed in the early morning fire that killed Marble.

"A grandson opened up the backdoor and found Mr. Marble right there by the door," said Kenwood volunteer firefighter Greg Butcher.

Volunteer firefighters from nearby Kenwood and Salina responded to the fire at about 5 a.m., but the home was already engulfed in flames.

"It breaks your heart, you know, that helpless feeling. You can't do anything to help anyone at that time, just try to save what you can of the property and console the family members," Butcher.

Butcher said Marble was an Army veteran, retired from the carpenters union, and most of all, he was a good man.

"He was fantastic, great to be around and loved other people, and just a good neighbor," Butcher said.

In a community where everyone knows everyone, Butcher said Marble will be missed.

The state Fire Marshal's office is investigating what caused the fire.

While that investigation is underway, family members told News On 6 it appears the fire started in the kitchen of the home.