Charles ""Chuck L. Marshall

Chuck was born in Steele, Missouri to his mother Melvin (nee Sneed) and father Charles L. Marshall. When he was 5 years old the family relocated to St. Louis where he lived with his parents, maternal grandparents Al and Dovie (nee Jordan) Sneed, his maternal aunt, Belva, and his younger brother Ralph. Chuck lettered in track and won a Golden Glove in boxing. After finishing high school at McKinley High in 1944 he joined the Navy during WWII.

In 1945, he met the love of his life, Victoria “Torrie” (nee Wilcox) as he was entering the revolving door of the Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit. One year later, August 31st, 1946 they were wed at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, Detroit. They were happily married 62 years until Torrie died peacefully of Alzheimer’s in 2008 with Chuck and family at her side.

Chuck lived life to the fullest. With his wife as his partner at his side, he started his professional career at Ford Motor Company in Detroit in the marketing department while active in the Naval Reserves. He was recalled to Navy active duty during the Korean war and stayed active duty military until 1969. His career as a Naval aviator allowed him to see the world: while serving on the USS Randolph in VA 46 and as a LSO, he sailed in the Mediterranean. During his career, he had 497 aircraft carrier landings. In Chincoteague, VA, he flew experimental squadron and was certified to fly every variety of aircraft during that time. In California, he was the Hollywood recruiting officer, mingling with stars. He was stationed coast to coast: it was in Pennsylvania, that he and his wife had their first and only child, Bridget.

Chuck was a self-made man who loved adventure. When he retired in 1969, he took his family to Spain and subsequently traveled around Europe. Upon returning to California, Chuck and Torrie started their own various small businesses. Chuck completed his formal education at California State: Fullerton with a BS in Psychology and Master’s in Special Education.

Between 1979 to 1983, they lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he successfully sold real estate. In 1983, they relocated to Sierra Vista, Arizona, where they made their home for 22 years. Chuck was involved in many charitable organizations while continuing to work buying and selling real estate. He was active in the Lion’s Club, serving as a president of the local Lion’s. He was on the hospital foundation board and helped with the Christmas Tree sale fundraising. In his late 70’s, he ran successfully for the SSVEC – electric cooperative – and thus started another remarkable adventure learning about electricity production.

Chuck never looked back as he embraced his next adventure. In between ‘working’ he and Torrie traveled. The countries of Spain, Greece and Turkey were his favorite places to visit. They were always hopping on a plane to travel independently as he enjoyed being his own tour guide.

He enjoyed challenges, being successful, traveling and helping those less fortunate than him. More Importantly though – Chuck loved and valued his family. He was a very involved, generous and devoted husband, father, grandfather and father in law. He is especially missed by his daughter who valued his friendship. He is survived in his immediate family by his only child Bridget Marshall, son-in law- Chris Dungey, only grandchild Michaela. He is also survived by his younger brother Ralph, and one nephew Mark, and three nieces: Tracy (Bernier), Meg (Thomas) and Sue (Campbell). He was preceded in death by his sister in law Mary.

A funeral mass will be conducted 11am August 3rd, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Grand Junction. Chuck will be buried at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction, Colorado on August 4th at 1pm. Torrie’s remains will be joining him there.

Condolences may be sent to Bridget Marshall, c/o Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81505. Donations welcomed in Chuck Marshall’s honor for the City of Grand Junction’s Memorial Tree Planting Program c/o Callahan-Edfast ATTN: Marshall tree memorial.