COLUMBUS
John “Tom” Benson Marshall, 76, of Columbus, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2024, with his loving wife, Sandy Benson Marshall, by his side at Silver Oaks Health Campus. Born on January 15, 1948, in Columbus, he was the son of John Albert Marshall and Lorena Evans Benson.
Tom graduated high school in 1966 from the Kentucky Military Institute and later graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. On December 31, 1994, he married Sandy Walker.
Tom served in the Army National Guard from 1971 until 1976 before founding Columbus Security, INC. In his younger years, he found great joy in playing softball, representing a true sports enthusiast who cheered passionately for all teams, particularly the Indianapolis Colts and IU. Tom had a love for the open road, indulging his passion for motorcycling, and he cherished attending car shows, with a special affinity for Corvettes. He dedicated himself to the Columbus Corvette Club, where he not only participated but also served as treasurer. Tom was also a past member of both the Moose Lodge and First Christian Church.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Walker Benson; daughters Stephanie Heck (Eric Bell), Holly Kuznicki (Brian), Lynsey (Nick) Ford; his son, Bryan (Chasidy) Benson, brother Kenneth Marshall (Mindy) of Indianapolis; sister Lynne Johnson of California; cousin Sheri Wakeman of Florida; grandchildren; Kaily, Ayden, Emmerson, and Lance, his brother-in-law Curt (Wendy) Meyer, numerous special friends, and his cherished Shitzu clan of Maddie, River, and Gracie. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John Albert Marshall, and Lorena Evans Benson, his loving step-mother Lorene (Grammy) Marshall; sisters, Barbara Jean Crouch and Rhonda Jo Meyer.
Services were held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Virgil Clotfelter. Burial will take place at Bethel Baptist Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the Columbus Corvette Club, or the Columbus Animal Care Services.
Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
