John F. Marshall, Jr., age 94, a resident of Bloomsburg since 1959, died on Tuesday morning, October 6, 2015 a resident of Elmcroft of Lewisburg. He had been a resident of Elmcroft for the past few years.
John was born on Thursday, April 21, 1921 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a son of the late John F. and Vesper (Talhelm) Marshall, Sr. While growing up in the Altoona area, John completed his education after graduating from the Altoona High School in 1939. Shortly after his graduation, John enlisted with the United States Army Air Corp where he served his country faithfully during World War II. During his time o service, John served as a Corporal with the 244th Army Air Force Base Unit. John was decorated for his service with the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal. Prior to enlisting in the armed forces, John met and married his loving wife, the former Mary Jane Calvert also of Altoona, on July 8, 1943.
After returning home from the war, John was employed by Independent Oil Company from 1957 to 1966. In 1959, he and his wife and children moved to the Bloomsburg area, where he was employed by Sears and Roebuck, Co. In 1977, he became a Correctional Officer in the Columbia County Prison until his retirement in 1983. He and his wife were members of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg where he served as a former Lay Leader. John was also a member of the Bloomsburg Elks B.P.O.E. #436, the Susquehanna Retired Men, Logan Lodge #490 F&AM in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a Past Commander of the Knights of Templar, a past High Priest with the Mt. Moriah Royal Arch Chapter #218 of Berwick, a member of the Orangeville Commandry of the Oriental Lodge #460 F&AM, and also Chapter Advisor DeMolay.
In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Jane (Calvert) Marshall, who passed on March 6, 2014. John was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include his only son: John F. Marshall, III and wife, Mary Ellen, of Lewisburg; and his only daughter: Linda Knorr of Bloomsburg; two grandchildren: Seth Knorr and wife, Kathie, of Pittsburgh; and Jill Knorr of Spotswood, NJ; and a great-grandson: Dylan Knorr.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday morning, October 13 at 11 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street in Bloomsburg with Rev. Dr. Blessings Magamaro, pastor of the Salem United Methodist Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey. Graveside committal services will be held privately in the Indiantown National Cemetery, Grantville. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. in Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Marshall family.
Memorial contributions in John's name are suggested to: Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 130 W. Third St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.