Earl Marshall

Earl Franklin Marshall entered into eternal rest at his home, surrounded by family, on October 4, 2010. He was born June 24, 1918 to Lois and Conrad Marshall in Trimble, MO.  He was a lifelong area resident.Earl graduated in 1935 from Northeast High School, Kansas City, MO.  He earned the rank of Army Sergeant while serving in World War II as a rifle marksman in the 785th Military Police Battalion. He served in both European and Pacific theatres.   He worked for Watson Brothers Transportation Company for 14 years and for Yellow Freight System for 29 years before retiring in 1982. Earl received awards for 43 years of safe driving. He was a member of Teamsters Local Union 41. Earl was a disciplined man who earned respect for his extraordinary work ethic and genuine nature. He will be remembered for his quick wit, teasing sense of humor, and optimism. He always looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.He sacrificed by working tirelessly seven days a week for over a decade. His labors provided many advantages and privileges for his family.  He spent countless hours working in his yard, garden, and home, taking great pride in each. He was a master of mechanical repairs and could remedy almost any household malfunction. Earl remained vigorous and active through his 91st year, mowing the yard, shoveling snow, and utilizing his keen ingenuity to creatively solve problems. Earl's favorite hobbies were vegetable gardening, bird watching, reading the newspaper, carpentry, watching football, and most of all, trout fishing. Earl loved being outdoors and nothing made him happier than fishing for trout at Roaring River State Park.Earl will be remembered most of all for the kind of man he was and the principled life he lived.  He gratefully lived each day to its fullest, always staying busy. He was motivated, industrious, and energetic.  Earl taught by example his values of hardwork and commitment. His life was a testament to the virtues of honesty, integrity, and self-reliance. He was a perfectionist, believing "if you were going to do something, do it right".Earl was a simple, yet remarkable man, beloved and respected by all who knew him. His "girls" were blessed to have a truly exceptional father.He led a Christian life and was a member of the Gashland United Methodist Church.The family thanks Dr. Chris Perryman for the excellent care he provided for Earl.He will be missed more than we can express, his memory cherished and his life celebrated.  Earl is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Louise Marshall; his daughter, Linda Marshall of  Charleston, SC; daughter Patricia McLeod and husband Alan of Memphis, TN and daughter, Lesa Marshall and life partner John Grimes of Kansas City, MO; three grandsons, Scott, Mark and Daniel McLeod of Memphis, TN; and sister, Franzé Woodrow of Webb City, MO.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends.  Earl was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Milan E. and Charles E. Marshall; and sister, Connie Irene Holcroft. Visitation will be at 6 pm Friday, October 8th, at Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801 Northwest 108th Street, Kansas City, MO.  Memorial Service with Military Honors will be 11 am on Saturday, October 9th, 2010. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and Gashland United Methodist Church. Fond memories and condolences may be sent to www.mountmoriahterracepark.comArrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.

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