Columbus
William Frank Marshall, 81, of Columbus, left this life Saturday, November 26, 2016, at his home.
His passing was quick and quiet.
Bill was born December 1 or maybe 2 (?) 1934, in Rushville, to William F. and Alice Marshall.
He had a stellar career as a high school athlete, with one of his high school track records standing for 40 years. A tempestuous courtship led to his marriage to Elsieann Becht on August 22, 1954.
In his professional life Bill continued a tradition of public service begun by his parents. His father was an attorney and judge, while his mother was a registered nurse.
Bill distinguished himself while attending law school at Indiana University Law School, Indianapolis Division, while he and Elsieann started their family. Bill demonstrated an early interest in politics by serving first as vice-president and then president of the Student Bar Association. During his senior year, Bill received the Highest Achievement award and graduated at the top of his class.
After graduation, in 1962, Bill and his growing family moved to Columbus where he joined the firm of Phillips, Stevenson and Wells. In 1963 Bill became a deputy prosecutor, followed by eight years service as city attorney and four years as attorney for the Columbus Aviation Board. His work with the Aviation Board was instrumental in Bakalar Air Force Base becoming Columbus’ airport (Columbus Municipal Airport). From 1973 until 1998, when Bill retired from the active practice of law, Bill and Bob Dalmbert associated their law practices.
In 1970, Bill’s devotion to public service was reflected in his work, founding and developing the Bartholomew, Brown & Jackson Legal Services Corporation. The BBJ Legal Services Corporation was a privately funded, not-for-profit corporation that provided legal services to the poor and indigent.
Bill’s continued interest in politics was demonstrated by his service as a precinct committeeman and delegate to the Republican State Committee from 1964 to 1973. He was Republican City Chairman in 1968.
From 1962 to 1982, at least one of Bill’s children attended Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. As a result, Bill became a well known figure to the school administrators. He was a dedicated supporter of his children’s athletic endeavors and post-graduate education.
Bill was a long time member of the Royal Order of Moose Lodge #398 and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge #521, where for a time he was the Exalted Ruler. He was proud to secure the proclamation by Columbus Mayor Fred L. Armstrong of August 30, 2007, as “Roy Murdock, Jr. Day”. Roy was a fellow Elk admired by all Elks.
From a very early age (he claimed 3 years old) Bill was strong willed and usually did things his own way. Bill was an ardent family man who was proud of and loved spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchldren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elsieann; children, Bill (Jan), Pam (Dave), Mike and John (Laura); grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) George, Graham Foster and Chance, Nicole, Taylor, Ian and Grant Marshall; and great-grandchildren, Natalie George and Jocelyn and Grayson Foster. He is also survived by a brother-in-law; a sister-in-law; several nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins; and a myriad of friends too numerous to name.
He is preceded in death by his parents, (Judge) William and Alice Marshall; his sister, Rose Marie Blanchard; brother, (Judge) Thomas Marshall; and a nephew, S. Frank Mattox.
You are invited to a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 1, at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
All memorial tributes, contributions or other gifts of condolences are suggested to either the Autism Society of Indiana or The Nashville Dolphins (www.dolphinaquatics.org).
You are invited to light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.
