Donald J Marston

1920 – 2012

Donald James Marston 91, passed away Monday, March 5 surrounded by his family. Born in Santa Maria, CA to Clarence Marston and Cathryn Gertrude Marston (Hansen), Don grew up in Ventura with his younger brother Richard (Dick) and his younger sister Helen. Don studied Engineering at Ventura Community College and worked for the Gas Company until WW II. He enlisted in the US Army Air Force 885th Bomber Squadron stationed in Northern Africa, Sicily, and Corsica. After his honorable discharge in 1945, Don returned to Ventura and married Betty May Patterson in 1947.

Don and Betty lived in Compton, California then moved to Lynwood in 1955. Don worked as a butcher until opening his own company, Leh-Mar Meat in 1961. He grew his company into one of the most respected meat companies in Southern California. His customers included the premier restaurants and stores of Southern California as well as the US Military and the Western White House. Don sold his business in 1970. After Don and Betty did some traveling, he returned to the meat business as a salesman until his retirement in 1980. Don and Betty had a son, Gregg in 1950 and a daughter Carol in 1954. Carol married Ralph Hansen in 1977 and Gregg married Marilyn Erickson in 1978. 12 days after Gregg’s wedding, Betty died suddenly of a stroke.

Don married Audrey Fiers in 1980 and moved from Lynwood to join her in Friendly Valley, Santa Clarita, CA. Don welcomed Audrey’s daughter Robin and Robin’s husband Mike Hayes into his family. Don and Audrey have been pillars of the community. They are members of Friendly Valley Community Church Methodist. Don was Past Master of Old West Masonic Lodge 813, and he joined Audrey as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron of Eastern Star Old West Chapter 642. Don also belonged to Pasadena Scottish Rite, and Al Malaikah Shrine. Don joined other residents in many construction projects including the Lawn Bowling clubhouse. He became an expert at deep pit bar-b-que and Don and Audrey’s community dinners were very popular events. He served on the Unit 4 Board and was responsible for landscaping. His personal pet project was the church rose garden, which he brought back from a distressed state and turned into a place of beauty. Don was widely known for his woodworking projects and his love of fishing. He was also a frequent golfer at the Friendly Valley Course.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and his sister. He is survived by Audrey, Gregg, Carol, Robin, their spouses, 6 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren.

Friends are invited to attend services at Friendly Valley Community Church, 19246 Avenue of the Oaks, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:00pm. Refreshments will be provided after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Don to his favorite charity, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles www.donate2shc.org

Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, Newhall, CA.