Gary Allen Marshall

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 5/28/2008.

Gary Allen Marshall Gary Allen Marshall passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at his home in Austin, Texas. He was a man who inspired many by his great faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was loved dearly by his family and friends who will always cherish his wisdom and good humor.

He was born September 16, 1945 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Pauline (Walters) and Allen Marshall who both preceded him in death. Gary grew up with a strong Christian faith, a large, loving extended family, and an intense love of all sports.

With a primary focus on baseball, he was an all-star high school pitcher, played semi-pro ball in Wichita, and was signed by the Houston Astros in 1964. His career ended after one year due to a tragic auto accident which blinded him.

One of the most powerful experiences of his life came when they moved to Dallas in 1980 to attend Christ for the Nations Bible College. Gary went on to get his masters in vocational rehabilitation counseling at the University of Texas. He found a calling and great reward in working for the State of Texas as an instructor for those who have been newly blinded.

Gary found his main focus and greatest joy in his marriage and family and in encouraging his children to become followers of Jesus Christ.

Gary is survived by his wife Franci, who he married June 8th, 1974 and seven children and eight grandchildren: stepson, Steve Simik of Round Rock, grandson Joshua and granddaughters Ashley and Hailey Simik and their mother Michelle of Pflugerville; daughter, Jamie Marshall and granddaughter Selah Mayfield of Austin; daughter, Lauri Steerman and husband Zac and grandsons Myles and Zion of Bedford; daughter, Ruth Anne Auditore and husband James and granddaughter Isabella and grandson Angelo of Pflugerville; son, John Paul Marshall of Austin; daughter, Katie Kane and husband Alan of Pflugerville; and son, Jeremiah Marshall of Austin.

He is also survived by his sister, Pat Sims and husband Buddy in New York and nieces Susan, Lori, Marci and Jill and nephew Charles; brothers-in-law, David Ham and companion Ophelia of New York, Larry Ham and wife Diane of Florida; and nephew, Matthew Ham, son of Robert Ham, deceased of Connecticut. His beloved extended family in Kansas which includes his aunt, Laurene Walters; cousins, Tom, Steve Walters, Bobby Walter, who are the wife and children of his uncle Tom Walters, deceased; cousins, Tom Eurton and wife Neva, Larry Eurton, Rama Holland and husband Lewis, Jo Terwey and husband Dennis, children of his aunt Ailene Eurton, deceased, and Roger Terry and wife Sandra, son of his aunt Hattie Terry, deceased.

The memorial service will be held at Hope Chapel, 6701 Arroyo Seco, Austin, Texas 78757 on May 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations made to Hospice Austin would be appreciated, they were very helpful during this transition.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.