Lawrence Joseph Marshall Sr.

At the age of 17, Lawrence Marshall enlisted for the United States Air Force. He was sent to Sheppard Field Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. During his first six weeks of training, a race riot broke out and he was transferred to Scott Field Air Force Base in Illinois to complete his basic training. He was then sent to Lowry Field Air Force Base in Colorado for technical training as an Ammunition Supply Technician. His training included arming bombs, grenades, and mines.

After completing technical training, Lawrence was sent to Okinawa where he completed his High School education. He traveled from Okinawa to Japan, China, Guam, and Hawaii during his World War II military experiences as a parachute gunner. Lawrence remained in the Service for three years. He felt he gave the best three years of his life to the Air Force.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 1949, Lawrence began his college career at Tri-State College of Industrial Arts where he studied Auto Mechanics and Tailoring for three years.

Upon graduation, he accepted a position with Ford Motor Company rebuilding engines, where he worked for three years. After leaving Ford Motor Company, Lawrence went to work for Great Southern Box Company. He then went to work for Roofing Company installing all types of roofing, driving tractors, and pulling trailers.

Lawrence Marshall then went to work with his brother-in-law building single-family homes and apartment buildings.

He traveled extensively throughout the Southern United States enjoying his discharge from the Military. He began looking for a place to settle down, and married a lovely young woman named Carmelita Domino. Before moving to Washington, D.C., they had their first three children (Connie, Lawrence Jr. and Madria) in New Orleans, Louisiana.

While in Washington, D.C., Lawrence worked for several departments within the United States Government including the Navy National Institute of Health and the Veterans Administration. He also owned two taxi cabs, one that he owned and one that he leased out. He and Carmelita also had their fourth child (Patricia).

After living in Washington, D.C. for seven years, they decided to move to Southern California where Lawrence worked as a machine operator making aircraft parts for six months. He then accepted a position with the United States Postal Service as an auto mechanic. While employed with the Post Office, he attended a private school for Real Estate education and training. He received his real estate license and sold real estate from 1960-1966. During that time, he and Carmelita had their fifth child (Tommy) in Compton, California. They then moved to Santa Maria and bought a house, where Lawrence worked for Vandenberg Air Force Base.

In 1969, Lawrence moved back to Los Angeles and was reinstated as an auto mechanic with the Post Office. He continued working for the Post Office where he was promoted to Supervisor and managed 20 employees and was responsible for maintaining 2,200 vehicles. When Lawrence retired, his staff was very sad.

Lawrence earned an Associate degree from Southwest College while employed by the Post Office. After retiring from the Post Office, he graduated from Redlands University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

He was most proud of his Life Travel and Experiences especially his Trans-Canadian trip which was 9,300 miles. Since 1957, Lawrence has driven over 200,000 miles in recreational vehicles.

Lawrence was involved in many service organizations and clubs including the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Veterans celebrations.

Lawrence was a great dancer; everyone wanted to dance with him. He was such a showman!

Our dad Lawrence J. Marshall, Sr. was the best dad in the whole wide world and he will be missed by everyone.