Dr. Ellis Gordon Marshall, Sr.

Ellis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Ellis was born, the youngest of eight brothers, on September 26, 1933, to V.C. and Mary Hickerson Marshall. He was raised east of Academy, TX on the Marshall Farm and attended Academy High School. Ellis and his seven brothers all attended Texas A&M University. Ellis transferred and graduated from Baylor University in 1955 where he met the love of his life, Jean Hunter McNeir Marshall. They were married December 22, 1956 at South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas by Dr. E.H Westmoreland.

He went on to Dental School at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and established his dental practice in Temple in 1962 until retiring in 2014.

Ellis’ family leaves a legacy of involvement in Agriculture in the State of Texas. His father, V.C. Marshall, pictured in the state capital, is known as the Father of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, established in 1939. Ellis continued the family service as a member of the local Central Texas Soil and Water Conservation District for many years.

Ellis was an avid Temple Wildcat fan and had many stories with his good friend Coach Bob McQueen. He and his wife, Jean, enjoyed traveling over the years with their numerous close friends. Stories told were embellished at every opportunity with Ellis being larger than life. He started yearly family and friend trips to Destin, Florida, where he enjoyed being “Cook to Order Breakfast Chef” to everyone. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed family get togethers at any opportunity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, V.C. and Mary Marshall, his seven brothers, R.P., Alton, Lewis, Lee, Chester, Brooks and James Marshall, and one grandson, Matthew Taylor Marshall.

Those of us left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jean of 69 years; Sons, Ellis Gordon Marshall, Jr. (Kathy) Temple, TX, Darryl Wayne Marshall (Lori) Hot Springs Village, AR, Craig William Marshall (Terri) Temple, TX. Grandchildren, Jennifer Pitts (Blake) Belton, TX, Derek Marshall (Madeline) Belton, TX, Parker Marshall (Anna) Sherwood, AR, Jantzan Weeks (Casey) Nashville, TN, Macy Marshall (Eric Kearney) Golden, CO, Jordan Loofs (Chris) Princeton, NJ, and Kaci Marshall of Stillwater, OK, and nine great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church of Temple, 8015 West Adams Avenue, Temple, Texas followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm. A private family graveside service will be held at Greathouse Cemetery, Temple, TX.