We just received word from someone that John Marshall has passed away.
John’s father was an electrician @ Westend. His sister, Viola (1930-2018), class of 1948 married Edward Fair, son of Tiny Fair. John’s sister, Jeanne (Marshall) Olsen (1927-1996) was in the class of 1949, and his sister, Dorothy (Marshall) Park (1937-2007) was in the class of 1955.
John Webster Marshall passed away on September 2, 2023 with his beloved wife of 64 years, Beverly at his side, John was born on April 8, 1934 in Lone Pine, California to John Webster Marshall and Rosella Merrick Marshall. He and his three sisters were raised in Cartago, California. John had many fond memories of growing up in this desert area. He graduated from Trona High School in 1952.
John served in the United State Air force, after which he graduated from California State University, Fresno with an engineering degree. He met Beverly, the love of his life, at Fresno State and married in 1959. Their son, Scott, joined the family in 1970.
John was a gifted engineer and problem solver. He worked for the State of California and Owens Illinois Glass before joining The Dow Chemical Company. During his 30-year career, leading manufacturing operations with Dow, he worked at the Pittsburg, California and Plaquemine, Louisiana manufacturing plants. In addition, he led the design and construction of a plant in Bahia, Brazil in the mid 1970’s and served as manager of various departments at the Freeport, Texas site. John loved his work and was a respected colleague, an expert in his field, an admired leader and a valued friend. John is also remembered for mentoring young engineers and as a visionary in encouraging women to become engineers.
After retirement, John enjoyed spending time with Beverly and Scott, as well as other family members and friends. He and Beverly traveled extensively, including many river cruises in Europe. John also enjoyed motorcycle trips with friends and skiing with Beverly, and he enjoyed sailing as a captain of yachts in the Virgin Islands for many years. Additionally, after retirement from Dow, John used his expertise to consult for several large chemical manufacturing companies including corporations in Japan.
John was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Jeanne Olson, Viola Fair and Dorothy Park.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly of Lake Jackson, Texas; son, Scott of Rosharon, Texas; sister-in-law, Karen Smith (Rick); brother-in-law, Edward Fair; special friends, Charles Raynor and Perry Hallmark and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was a beloved and admired member of his family and will be missed greatly by family and friends.
