Russ was born on May 21st, 1944 in Cincinnati, OH to his mother, Lucille Wilder Marshall, and his father, William Russell Marshall. His father was killed while fighting in WWII when Russ was only 30 days old. After the death of his father, Lucille married Glen Marshall who raised him from the age of 2.
Russ grew up in Bradford, Ohio and became lifelong friends with his classmates. He voluntarily enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, despite being the lone surviving son of his father.
During this time Russ became smitten with his future wife, Jennet. He found her to be so beautiful that they drove out of state to elope. Jennet was only 16 years old at the time. Russ was subsequently court martialed for being AWOL from the airforce and faced 20 years in prison. The charges were dropped and the lovebirds were married for 54 years.
Russ received a B.S. in Meteorology from Penn State and a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. Russ became a meteorologist for 31 years at the National Weather Service working in the Fort Wayne, IN office before retiring as Meteorologist in Charge. The mayor of Fort Wayne designated “Russ Marshall Day” because of his dedicated volunteering and service to the community. On June 11th, 1997, the Governor of Indiana awarded Russ the Distinguished Hoosier Award which is one of the highest honors given by the state to a private citizen.
Russ and Jennet’s life's passion was travel. Together they visited 109 countries, took 64 cruises and instilled a love of adventure in all of their children and grandchildren. Russ and Jennet were proud members of the elusive Traveler’s Century Club. The cruise industry will be devastated to learn of Russ’s passing as he and Jennet were top-tier members on several cruise lines.
Russ was an intellectual who took great pleasure in arts and literature. As a season pass holder at Starlight Theater and the KC Repertory Theater, Russ attended dozens of plays and musicals. Russ was an avid reader and lifelong learner who consistently enrolled in college courses.
Russ loved trains of all sizes and had taken several cross country rail trips in the USA, Canada and across several European countries. He took great pride in his miniature train set that he created. You could often find Russ on the back deck of his home, bird watching and enjoying a fine glass of red wine while holding his beloved dog, BB (Big Boy.)
Russ was adored by his children, grandchildren and everyone who knew him. He was known for his remarkable sense of humor, fine leadership and integrity that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Russ was a philanthropist who frequently donated to organizations such as the WWF and Amnesty International. Russ attended many protests, standing up for human and environmental rights. The world is truly a better place because Russell Marshall lived in it.
Russ is survived by his wife, Jennet, his two brothers Tim (Cathy) and Darrell (Joyce), his 3 children Robert Marshall (Angie), Tom Marshall, Michelle Holicky (Ed), his 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the World Wildlife Federation or Columbia College
