Pastor Robert J. Marsh

Born May 13, 1925 in Peoria to Joseph and Hattie (Seels) Marsh, he married Avis Harrison on August 25, 1968 in Eureka.  She survives.

Also surviving are four daughters, Angie (Joe) Gardner of Ipava, Connie (Roy) Sidler of California, Crystal (Dennis) Fett of Roanoke and  Kathy (fiancé Mike Mitzelfelt) Short of Pekin,; eight sons, Bruce (Pam) Marsh of Washington, Rick Marsh of Metamora, Gary (Mary) Marsh of Peoria, Rex (Linda) Marsh of Claremore, Oklahoma, Robin (Michelle) Marsh of Coosbay, Oregon, Bob (fiancé Brooke) Short of Gibson City, Lonnie (Gina) Short of Chicago, Scott (Jamie) Marsh of Claremore, Oklahoma; 33 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Lee Ann Kirk, and three grandchildren.

He served in the United States Army during World War II.

Rocky worked as a machine operator for Caterpillar, Inc. for 20 years, retiring in 1987.  He began a ministry in 1978, where he pastored for several churches.

He was a member of the Maxwell Road Church of God in Bartonville.

He was an avid bowler and loved to fish.  He also was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears and of University of Illinois basketball.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Pastor Ted Deal will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Maxwell Road Church of God, 905 South Maxwell Road, Bartonville, IL 61607.