Obituary of Thomas Ray Marshall

Thomas Ray Marshall went to be with his Lord on March 6, 2005. Tom died after struggling valiantly against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tom was born on May 13, 1925 in Seattle to Frank and Pearl Marshall. His family moved to Olympia in 1932 following his father’s election to the State Senate. Tom attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated from Olympia High School in 1943. He joined the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1946. Tom returned to Olympia and married Audrey Johnston on December 27, 1947 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. He graduated from St. Martin’s College in 1952 with a degree in Chemistry, and later was licensed as a professional engineer. Tom worked for 32 years for the Washington State Department of Transportation, retiring in 1980 as the Assistant Materials Engineer. In 1970 Tom received the prestigious Dr. Lawrence I. Hewes Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to highway development. Following retirement Tom worked as a consultant for the Federal Highway Administration in Washington, D.C. Tom and Audrey raised their family in a home designed by Tom on Pattison Lake before moving to Vista Village in 1991. Tom was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Along with seven others, Tom and Audrey were instrumental in starting the Lacey Presbyterian Church, where they were charter members. He served as deacon, elder, and clerk of session at Westminster and Lacey Presbyterian Churches. Tom served on several committees with the Presbytery of Olympia. Tom found great enjoyment in golfing, camping with his wife and grandchildren, traveling with friends and family, delivering Meals on Wheels, investing with South Sound Saving Seniors, and meeting with his Sharing Group of over 30 years. Tom participated wholeheartedly in his children and grandchildren’s activities. He coached little baseball for McKinley School for many years and was also active in their PTA. He was a Boy Scout leader and active parent with Job’s Daughters. He attended almost every sporting event, concert, recital, graduation, and special event in his children and grandchildren’s lives. One of his most prized possessions was the plaque naming him “Timberline High School Father of the Year” in 1973. On his last visit to Disneyland in 1996 with Audrey, Kathy, Nicole and “adopted” family Anna, Charlie, Talia and Danny, Tom took great joy in making sure that he had ridden every single ride in the park. Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Audrey Marshall, sons Ken (Vicky) of Bellingham, Dan (Jen) of Honolulu, Ron (Jean) of Longview, and daughter Kathy of Lacey, stepsister Ella Marie Kelso, brother-in-law Curt Johnston (Martha), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was especially proud of his six grandchildren, Robb, Nicole, Scott, Kara, Lisa, and Jeff. His parents, his brother Filson, his sister Helen, and his loving in-laws Ray and Alice Johnston preceded Tom in death. The family suggests memorials may be sent to Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice (PO Box 5008, Lacey 98509), or to the Neighborhood Free Medical Clinic (PO Box 8711, Lacey 98509), a joint mission of Westminster and Lacey Presbyterian churches. Tom loved and served his Heavenly Father with all his heart and soul. He was a devoted and faithful husband, a loving and committed father, and a loyal friend whose wonderful sense of humor delighted all who knew and loved him. Be at peace, good and faithful servant. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Providence Hospice staff for the skilled and compassionate care given to Tom in his last weeks. We especially thank those beloved friends who have supported us over these many years.