Obituary of Richard Allan Marshall SR.

On May 6, 1939, in Bedford, Iowa Richard Allan Marshall was the 7th of 8 children born to Homer and Fannie (Sleep) Marshall. He met the love of his life, Donna Lee Gaule, while they were in school. Richard and Donna would walk to the movie theater together, with Donna always paying during their dates. On June 14, 1957, Richard and Donna took both of their mothers to the courthouse in Maryville, Missouri, where both mothers gave their consent for the marriage. Their first child, Shirley Ellen, was born shortly thereafter. Over the next 10 years they expanded their household to include 7 more children for 8 in total: Rebecca Sue, Richard Allan Jr, Michael Dean, Kathryn Ann, Robert Lee, John William, and Sandra Kay. They moved many times early in the family years, but ultimately settled down in the Gravity and Bedford area.

He worked mostly manual labor to provide for his growing family. He was a welder for several years and passed that skill and knowledge on to his sons. He enjoyed working on cars and was able to fix almost any problem that came up with the family vehicle. He made sure his boys knew how to fix almost anything as well. Fishing brought him happiness and he did it whenever he was able.

Richard and Donna helped raise their granddaughter Kimberly during her formative years. He often referred to her as his daughter. He always said he had 8 ½ kids. He retired in the mid-90s due to health reasons. When his wife Donna got cancer, this enabled him to be with her when she needed him most. He was able to spend precious time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He appreciated being able to be with his family and watching it grow. Richard and Donna were married 52 years until her passing in 2009.

He is preceded in death by his parents Homer and Fannie; mother-in-law Opal; wife Donna Lee; brothers Harold, Frank (Bud), Robert, and Herb; sister JoAnn; and son-in-law Ron Johnson.

Left to honor his memory are sister Martha Martin of Bolivar, Missouri; brother Jim and wife Dianna of Oakland, Iowa; children: Shirley Johnson, Rebecca Nielson, Rick and Deb Marshall Jr, Mike Marshall (Sheryl Harrell) Kathy Marshall, Bob and Kathy Marshall, John and Wendy Marshall, and Sandy and Tim Fenner. Grandchildren Corey, Rhonda, and Melissa Johnson; Jason and Christopher Nielson; Gregg, Danny, and Phillip Marshall; Kimberly Marshall Berry, Kaylee Sommay; Emily, Jessica, and Allison Marshall; Sheena McCartney and Zach Marshall; and Josh, Jenny (Makis), and Marshall Fenner. Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones around the world.