Marrs McLean was born in Sherman, Texas on June 20, 1883. He attended the University of Texas where he played football for the Rangers as they were called in that day. Young Marrs became fascinated with the oil and gas business when, on a business trip with his father, he met a prominent lawyer in Beaumont, Texas. It was an exciting time with the booming oil business at Spindletop and elsewhere. So after several attempts at other careers, including hotel manager and watermelon farmer, Marrs became an investor and an active participant in the oil and gas industry. With the help of a geologist friend, he formulated a theory about the presence of oil accumulations along the flanks of salt domes at Vinton, Lousiana, the old Spindletop field and High Island in Galveston County. That theory proved to be correct and would eventually provide him with a substantial income, even though the rest of the country was mired down by the Great Depression.

On August 21, 1918 he married Verna Hooks (McLean). Their lives together were filled with outings to lakes, fishing in rivers, picnics and frequent swims. If it involved being outdoors and enjoying nature, they wanted to participate. Marrs and Verna Hooks McLean eventually moved to San Antonio with their only child, Ruth McLean. In the late 1930’s, Marrs McLean embarked on a career as a South Texas rancher, oilman, businessman and philanthropist. He acquired numerous ranches in South Texas, the Junction area and later in far West Texas. During their lifetimes and later through their wills, Marrs McLean and wife Verna Hooks McLean gave generously to Baylor University, Baylor College of Medicine and Trinity University as well as other worthwhile causes that they have supported.

Their daughter Ruth McLean married Jack Bowman and together they had six children: Marrs McLean Bowman; Bonnie Bowman (Korbell), Ruth Bowman (Russell), Beth Bowman (Harper), Margaret Bowman (McMahon) and Barbara Bowman. Ruth McLean Bowman, who eventually became Ruth McLean Bowers after the death of her husband Jack, loved life and the people around her. She continued the family tradition of philanthropy until her death in 2013.

Today, the six children of Ruth McLean Bowers along with their children, spouses and grandchildren represent the next generation of a dynamic Texas family legacy. They are known throughout the San Antonio community for their service and their gifts.