Gene Tunney Marshall

"Say not in grief he is no more - but live in thankfulness that he was." - Hebrew Proverb

Gene Tunney Marshall, age 90, left this earthly life to live in eternity with his Saviour on October 30, 2016.

His last days were spent at the Kobacker House after suffering from treatment complications of a cranial nerve tumor. His devoted wife and daughter never left his side until his very last breath.

If you met Gene, you loved and respected Gene. He was a mentor, teacher, friend and father to everyone he met. His kindness and his belief in the very best in people made him uniquely himself. He was adored and respected by his family, his friends and countless young people throughout his 90 years.

Born October 2, 1926, Gene grew up on a farm in Pickaway County with his parents, Albert and Ina Marshall ,who preceded him in death. He spent his days with his siblings: brothers, Clarence and Maynard and his sister Dorothea, all deceased, and his beautiful and loving sister, Betty Sipe, of Troy , Ohio, who survives her little brother.

His love story began at the Circleville Pumpkin Show in 1948 when he met Barbara. Four years later, in 1952, he married his beloved bride, and their love story continued for 64 wonderful years. Together they had three children: their precious son, Jeffrey Gene, who preceded his father in death in 2015, their sweet baby angel daughter Janifer Fay, who also preceded Gene in death in 1963, and his surviving daughter, Jodie Lou, who was as committed and loving as any daughter could be.

Gene's family expanded as he became grandfather and then great grandfather. He is survived by those who will miss deeply his comforting presence: daughter in law, Lura Marshall of Waverly, Ohio; grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Rowland of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeffrey (Amanda) of Orient, Ohio and Katherine (Ryan) Mink of Xenia, Ohio. His great grandchildren adored their PawPaw and will miss his tickles and laughter immensely. They are Cameron Mink (11), Misha Marshall (8), Reid Rowland (8), Janey Rowland (7), Aubrey Marshall (6), Stella Rowland (5) and Nora Marshall (4). His many nieces and nephews and his dear friends and loved ones knew they were just as much Gene's family as those listed above.

Gene Marshall was a man of many, many adventures and accomplishments in his life. Gene was stationed in the South Pacific with the U.S Army in WWII and was a proud Veteran. He was honored to be a part of the Veteran Honor Flight to D.C. to commemorate his dedicated service to his country.

He was well learned, having graduated from Ohio State University and receiving his Masters from Central Michigan University.

He retired from Franklin University and Columbus State University, where he mentored and taught young people.

If there was anything as sharp as his mind, it was his hands. Gene loved antique automobiles and worked to restore several older model cars, including his treasured 1926 Model T, 1930 Model A and his 1967 Ford Mustang. Gene was a long time member of the Scioto Model A Club, where he made friends near and dear to his heart while exploring the cars he loved.

Gene discovered the warm weather in West Palm Beach, Florida, and could hardly wait to enjoy it during the cold Ohio winter months. Many memories and more friends were made in Florida, a place near and dear to Gene's heart. It is difficult to wrap up such an amazing life in a few paragraphs, but Gene would want us to remember him with a smile.

At the center of his being and above all else, Gene took care of others first. Let us all take a page from Gene's book and take care of one another. Gene would be honored. As an associate member of Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Florida, Gene left this life knowing exactly where he will spend Eternity.

Services to celebrate Gene's life will be held at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City on Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 10 to 12. A funeral service will follow at the Funeral Home. A graveside burial will immediately follow at Harrison Township Cemetery in Ashville, Ohio. Donations may be made in Gene's memory to the Scioto Model A Club, 422 Catawba Ave, Westerville, Ohio 43081.