Hal T Marshall

Hal T Marshall, age 72, of Ladoga, was welcomed into eternal life in Heaven on September 13th, 2021.

Hal was born on October 29th, 1948, in Kokomo, to Ray and Maxine (Widner) Marshall. His childhood home was in Walton, IN, where he was a member of Shiloh Lutheran Church. Hal loved Walton and would brag on the fact that he likely ate dinner in every home in town when he was a child. He enjoyed greatly his childhood there and spending time with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Hal was a graduate of Lewis-Cass High School in 1966 and went on to study Industrial Management at Purdue University, graduating in 1971.

While at Purdue, Hal was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. His love of Purdue continued throughout his life - becoming one of the world's biggest Purdue fans. He never missed a home football game for 49 years - choosing to end that streak due to a poor coaching decision. Football Saturdays were something he looked forward to and was the king of the tailgate with his friends, always crafting up something delicious, even lasagna and garlic bread for one tailgate specifically. He was very proud of that one. Hal would be found at men's and women's basketball games, always cheering on the Boilers!

Hal was an accomplished musician, playing piano and drums in multiple bands while in college and also accompanying the Tarkington Hall Glee Club. He continued to use his musical talents throughout his life, accompanying his daughter while she sang during performances and auditions and also playing piano for Parkersburg Christian Church.

Hal was also an accomplished cook, having gained experience working for MCL cafeteria while in college. He loved to cook and bringing people together through a meal brought him great joy. He loved to host cook-outs in "Marshall Park" for his many friends and family. Many of his meals and food prepared came sourced from his own garden. Hal was very passionate and proud of his gardening skills - giving out produce to anyone and everyone, being well-known for his tomatoes. He spent hours canning and making jams, juices, and cobblers from his raspberries, peaches, grapes, and blackberries.

Hal was also an avid fisherman - spending time fishing at a family property in Minnesota and while vacationing in Florida. Fishing is a passion that he passed on to both of his children and his grandson.

Another love was animals. While living in Ladoga, the Marshall home quickly became a magnet for stray dogs to find their forever home. Hal was known to many as the dog-whisperer and never met a dog that didn't like him. We know he was greeted, and likely trampled, arriving in Heaven by Neely, Dee, Dum, Snoopy, RJ, Rocky, Midnight, Pongo, and Gretchen.

Hal was an amazing story-teller, captivating many with stories of travels and experiences. He made friends and would spark conversations wherever he went, even though some would have considered him the strong-silent type.

Hal started his career with American Brands and then spent 35+ years working for RR Donnelley as a Customer Service Representative and a Supervisor. During his career at RRD, Hal was respected and loved by those he worked with. He was dedicated to that company and was always open to 3 am phone calls to help fix one issue or another.
While at Purdue, he met the love of his life, Cheryl (Rohn). They were married on January 23rd, 1971. They celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage earlier this year. As described by a dear friend, "their marriage was an outstanding testament to their deep devotion, admiration, acceptance, compassion, empathy, respect and love for each other". No marriage is ever perfect and there were struggles, but even through the frustration, love prevailed.

After retiring from RRD, Hal and Cheryl spent a lot of time traveling - including cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean, a trip to Ireland, Hawaii, and many trips across the US. He loved seeing new sights and meeting new people, and of course, trying any new cuisine.

Hal was a strong, kind, supportive, and loving husband and father. He loved his family fiercely and one of his greatest accomplishments was becoming a father to his 2 children, Ashley and Alex. He was always present and never missed a moment to guide, support, and teach. He never missed a sporting event or life event or milestone, and was always a phone call away. He would drop anything to come to the aid of his family and exemplified the title of protector and provider. His most favorite role, however, was becoming Grandfather to Raylan. He fiercely loved Raylan and was lovingly known as "Pop" or "Poppa Hal".

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Phillip Marshall, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Marshall. Also preceded in death by multiple aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and children - daughter Ashley Marshall (and grand-dog, Mackey) of Whitestown, son Alex Marshall (daughter-in-law Brenay and grandson Raylan) of Zionsville, cousin Judy Fitzer of Flora, and other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

It is impossible to adequately put into words and describe the man, husband, father, and friend that Hal was. He touched the lives of so many and it is a blessing to know that he will greet us all in Heaven when the time comes.

Visitation will be at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S. Washington Street in Crawfordsville on Saturday October 9, 2021 from 12:00 noon until the time of Celebration of Life service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations can be made to the John Purdue Club, of which Hal was a member. Please send checks, placing Hal's name in the memo, to: The John Purdue Club, Mackey Arena, 900 John R Wooden Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907. Online donations may be made by using this link: connect.purdue/edu/inmemoryofhalmarshall, listing Hal's name in honor/memory of. Please also feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice.