JOHN K. MARLOW
"LOVE WINS"
LEGACY AWARD
The John K. Marlow Love Wins Legacy Award honors a life defined by service, leadership, and love for community. Established by Hike Kidz Foundation, this annual award recognizes individuals whose compassion, service, and efforts reflect John's commitment to improve Front Royal and Warren County.
WHY THIS AWARD?
The Hike Kidz Foundation is dedicated to uplifting and empowering underserved youth in Warren County—providing experiences, mentorship, and opportunities that encourage confidence, kindness, and hope. John Marlow’s life and legacy perfectly reflect the values at the heart of that mission. He believed deeply in investing in people and in his community, always guided by one simple question:
“Is it good for Front Royal?”
Through his vision, leadership, and faith, he modeled what it means to give selflessly and to build a stronger future for generations to come.
ABOUT
JOHN K. MARLOW
A proud graduate of Warren County High School, John was a celebrated student-athlete who helped lead the county’s only undefeated and untied football team, held the school basketball scoring record for decades, and was a district champion in discus. His athletic excellence earned him a football scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he served as co-captain of the football team, lettered three times in track, and played freshman basketball.
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He graduated from the UVA McIntire School of Commerce, where he was President of the V-Club, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and part of the Lawn Society.
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After serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Germany, John returned home to Front Royal in 1964. There, he purchased Marlow Motor Company from his father, later expanding his entrepreneurial legacy through Tri-State Nissan in Winchester and Marlow Ford in Luray, while continuing to develop homes and neighborhoods across the region.
A VISIONARY LEADER
​John’s love for his hometown was matched only by his dedication to serving it. In 1968, he was elected in Warren County, serving 14 years on the Board of Supervisors and helping found the Lord Fairfax Planning District Commission.
As Mayor of Front Royal from 1982 to 1990, John’s vision helped shape the town’s future. He led the redevelopment of Main Street, the creation of the Downtown Gazebo, and the renovation of the historic Train Station into a welcoming Visitors’ Center. He also co-founded the Warren County Educational Endowment, which has provided nearly one million dollars in grants benefiting local students.
John’s service extended far beyond local government. He was a founding director of Peoples Bank of Front Royal, served on the boards of Jefferson Bank, First Bank, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and chaired the Board of Trustees at Shenandoah University. He was also a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Front Royal.
CONTINUING HIS LEGACY
The Love Wins Legacy Award ensures that John’s spirit of leadership, integrity, and love for others continues to inspire future generations. Each year, this annual award will honor an individual in Warren County who demonstrates exceptional kindness, community service, and dedication to improving the lives of youth and families—especially those facing hardship or barriers to opportunity.
Through this award, Hike Kidz Foundation celebrates not only John Marlow’s remarkable legacy, but the simple truth that guided his life:
Love wins—always.
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Nominations and process will be announced January 2026.