Howard L. Marshall
Oct 15, 1920 – Feb 08, 2017
Howard Laurence Marshall, 96, peacefully entered into eternal life on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the Gordon House in Gordonsville, Virginia.
He has been reunited with his wife, Frances Spicer Marshall, his parents, Albert and Sara Marshall, his brothers, Robert, Albert and James Marshall and his sister, Alice Buck. He leaves on earth his brother George Marshall (Libby) of Louisa; Sons William (Beverly) and Alan (JoAnn) Marshall of Louisa, daughter Nancy (Ed) Seilheimer of Granbury, Texas; grandchildren, Sarah Current, Elizabeth (Tim) Sweeney, Capt. Jonathan Baker, Bryan Marshall, Jeffrey Marshall, David Marshall, and Joseph Marshall; Great grandchildren, Hunter McMullen, Jocelyn Current, Caroline and Colin Sweeney and numerous nieces, nephews.
Howard dedicated himself to serving others through his church, his military service, his business and his community. One of six children raised on a farm in Louisa, he learned at an early age, the value of hard work and he carried that with him throughout his life. Following in his father’s footsteps, upon graduation from Louisa High School in 1938, Howard worked for Southern States Cooperative in Charlottesville and then opened Louisa Feed Service in Louisa. When World War II began, he joined the Air Force and served until 1946. He returned to Louisa where he and his brother George, purchased several farms throughout the county and raised turkeys, laying hens, and cattle. Howard retired from Louisa Feed Service in 1985.
Howard was an avid community member. As a lifelong member of Louisa Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon and elder for many years among many other capacities and until his death was the oldest living member of the church. Howard was a charter member of the Louisa County Lions Club and served in many leadership roles at the local and state levels. He was District Governor and received the Melvin Jones award which is the highest award given by the Lions. He was a 75 year member of Day Lodge # 58 A F + A.M. He was Boy Scout Scoutmaster and oversaw the construction of the Boy Scout Hut that is still in use today. For many years, Howard was a member of Louisa Ruritan Club and served on the board of directors for Jefferson National Bank. He was a member of the Louisa Industrial Development Authority and was part of a group that secured bonds for the construction of the North Anna Nuclear Power Station. In 1986, he was recognized as the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce business person of the year.
Howard believed in improving educational opportunities for the citizens of Louisa. He was appointed to the Louisa County School Board in 1970 and was Chairman in 1976. He was a member of J. Sargent Reynolds Community College board from 1983 to 1992. In Addition, he served as president of Louisa Library Foundation and worked toward the building of the new public library.
With all of his accomplishments, Howard may best be remembered for his love of family, his love of the outdoors, his kindness toward others, his gentle, generous and giving spirit and his uncanny wit. Trout fishing and turkey hunting were his recreational passions in life and he spent many days at the beloved cabin, “The Jackson River Hilton”, in Bath County fishing and playing cards with “the boys.” His motto was “The days a man spends fishing are not held against him.” In spite of the fact that Alzheimer’s slowly claimed his life, he stayed true to himself and when asked just days before his death, “Howard, how are you today?” he responded “I’m here” He is gone now, but remains in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 at Woodward Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Louisa Presbyterian Church, PO Box 522, Louisa, VA 23093 or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation; Alzheimer’s Association PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011
A member of the greatest generation, Howard lived life to the fullest, loved and served his country, his community, and his family. Bill, Alan, and Nancy Ellen, be comforted by remembering the joys you and your families provided your father. My prayers and sympathy are with you all. Much love, Martha
Dear Nancy, Bill, and Allen, Bobby and I are saddened with the passing of your dad. I didn`t know him well, but he always had a smile for us and hand-shake for Bobby. He is resting well now, with his beloved France`s. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Howard was a true gentleman, a pleasure to do business with, a good friend, and a pillar of our community. Every remembrance I have of him is good. For all the members of his family left behind, you have our deepest sympathy. He lived a good life, and God bless him as he enjoys his well-deserved rest.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will have you all in my prayers.
My heart goes out to the family we show will miss him at the Gordon House it`s nothing like walking in seeing his face early in the morning .love always your Gordon House family ?
My deepest sympathy to the Marshall family!Mr. Marshall was always a soft spoken Virginia gentleman.
So sad for your loss, prayers for the family
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