Wilbur L. Marshall passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A native of Chicago, IL, he was 100 years old, having achieved one of his final goals-to celebrate a full century of life.
Wil was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lillian, whom he lost in 1999 after a devoted marriage of45 years. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Breslin, and her husband, Richard, with whom he made his home in his later years, along with his faithful canine companion, Binx. He is also survived by his son, Ken Mosesian of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ken's husband, Robert, as well as his grandchildren Jordan and his wife, Amanda, and Michaela, and her husband, Andrew. Wil loved "playdates" with his great-grandchildren, Ford and Duke, and Zoey and Demi. He is also survived by his sister, Louise Tamey, of Turlock. His three brothers, Arthur, Martin, and Milton, preceded him in death.
Wil lived a life defined by service, curiosity, faith, and adventure.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was also a licensed private pilot, embracing the freedom of both sea and sky. Professionally, Wil dedicated 32 years to teaching junior high school, where he found great joy in encouraging and inspiring young people, introducing innovative classes in farm management and rocketry. In addition to his work as an educator, he was a farmer who cultivated grapes, almonds, and walnuts. He loved working the land and took pride in the harvests it produced.
After Lillian's passing, Wil chose not to retreat from life but to embrace it in new and meaningful ways. He became a hospice volunteer and served as an end-of-life counselor for six years, offering comfort and compassion to individuals and families during some of life's most difficult moments. He also donated his time and treasure for several years to a local food bank.
Wil's adventurous spirit flourished in retirement. He purchased a motorcycle and became an enthusiastic rider, traveling each year from California to Sturgis, South Dakota, for the annual motorcycle rally. As a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, he proudly wore his "Riding for the Son" jacket and welcomed opportunities to share his faith in Jesus Christ with others.
Never one to shy away from a new experience, Wil also developed a love for white-water rafting, enjoying several week-long river expeditions and camping beneath the stars along the way.
His commitment to serving others continued through volunteer work in the Records Unit of the Turlock Police Department (TPD), where he generously gave his time for many years. He also served for a decade as a Volunteer in Police Services (VIPS) for the TPD. In 2017, he received the Volunteer Service Award for giving 875 hours of time to the VIPS program. That same year, Wil was awarded the United States President's Volunteer Gold Service Award.
Wil was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Turlock, where he taught Sunday School and quietly lived out the values he cherished: faith, service, kindness, and generosity.
Those who knew Wil remember his gentle spirit, adventurous heart, unwavering faith, and genuine interest in helping others. Whether in a classroom, on a farm, on a motorcycle, or beside someone nearing the end of life, he sought to leave every person a little better than he found them.
A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Turlock, California, on Saturday August 29th, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Wil be made to Doctors Without Borders or World Central Kitchen.
