"Bob was my Coach, he was someone I always looked up to, he was my Friend! I am heartbroken that i did not get the news about the gathering at Highland. I definitely would have been there. T.J. told me how great a tribute it was to a Great Man! He was definitely one of the best!!! My thoughts and prayers to Andie and the kids and families. "
In loving memory of
Robert T. Marshall
July 26, 1942 - April 13, 2018
Robert "Bob" Townsend Marshall 75
He was born July 26, 1942, in Indianapolis, IN, to Robert Gwin Marshall and Lucile Mae (Townsend) and departed this life on April 13, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Rex C. Marshall.
Bob attended Susan Roll Leach #68 and Arsenal Technical High School, graduating in 1960. He was very proud of his high school and excelled in athletics and as a student leader, playing varsity baseball for four years, basketball, and being inducted into the Tech Legion of Honor.
He then attended and graduated from Ball State Teachers College where he met Andrea Lee Shuff "Andie" and they married October 9, 1965. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and cherished his Lambda brothers throughout his life (very happy when his son also pledged Lambda Chi). Bob taught social studies and math at Wilson Jr. High in Muncie.
They moved to Indianapolis, IN, in 1968, where Bob joined his mother as co-owner of Marshall Building Specialties Co., Inc. Lucile retired in 1980 and Bob remained the proud, sole owner until his passing. The small, family business survived many "hard times" and "kept the doors open" for 50+ years due largely to Bob's total dedication, hard work, honesty, fairness, sound management, and loyalty to his employees and customers. He was surprised and pleased when his son chose to continue the family business.
Family was always a priority. He was a loving grandson, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and brother-in-law. Bob's aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews also knew that he cared for them. His great sense of humor and laugh provided numerous and treasured family memories.
Most of all Bob loved and was so proud of his two children: daughter, Traci Baumgartner (Brad) and son, Bobby (Katie). He cherished every moment with them: coaching their youth softball and baseball teams; watching them in other sports and school activities; telling them stories about his experiences; sharing his many words of wisdom; or, just putting his arms around them. Holidays, special occasions, and summers in Pentwater, MI, nurtured their deep love and respect for each other. He was very grateful that his children's spouses shared his values about family and parenting. Bob took great pride in their professional achievements but was most proud of their parental love and devotion. Thinking of his children and their families always made Bob smile, stand a little taller, and sometimes shed tears of joy.
Those tears were greatest at the births of his precious grandchildren: Katy (1996), Ellie (1998), and Robert (2016). "Popo" was an active part of their lives and tried to be present for all of their special activities and achievements, from athletic and scholastic awards to taking their first steps or learning to say, "Popo." He was always available if they needed a word of encouragement or a hug. His laugh and sense of humor were at their best when he was with them.
Friends were also at the core of who he was. Bob had an extensive and eclectic collection of "best" friends. He possessed a unique ability to accept people as they are. In the 1970s he was part of the volunteer Advance Team for Mayor Richard Lugar and those friendships remained throughout his life. Bob was always on a basketball, baseball or softball team. It was the Over 55 Senior Softball teams that brought him the greatest happiness and many dear, new friends. He enjoyed the diverse backgrounds of the players, their lack of pretension or desire to prove anything. He would say, "Like young boys, they love playing ball and they know it is just a game."
Bob and Andie have a circle of friends forged in college. When they gather for fun and for their annual holiday dinner, they represent over 300 years of marriage and 52+ years of precious memories. Bob's ability to bring grown men and women to tears with his stories and antics was at the heart of those gatherings.
Many refer to Bob as a "class act." He leaves a legacy of exemplary character defined by honesty, hard work, strength, friendships, love, and laughter. He also set a model for courage as he fought for nearly ten years to defeat cancer.
To further cherish his memory, he leaves: brothers-in -laws - Jim Shuff (Candy), Brad Kupper, John Kupper (Elaine), sister-in-law, Judy Marshall; niece Jennifer White (Johnny); nephew Kevin Marshall (Pam); and, their children and grandchildren; and, nieces and nephews - Lauren Martin, Julia Kupper (Melissa), John B. Kupper (Julie), Kyle Kupper, and Alexa Kupper.
Tributes
"Tom Johnson I have been thinking since Bob 's passing of what I could say about Bob that everyone that knew him would know what I am feeling about our 50 year friendship. He had so many great qualities but I think he was just the best friend anyone could have! He will be missed by all who had the privilege of being his friend! RIP Old Buddy"
"Bob was a true friend and a great man. I will always thank him for introducing me to my husband, Kete, with whom I had 32 years of happiness. When I think of Bob I always think of his good nature and humor. The world of Bob's friends will always remember great man that he was."
"It's a fitting tribute to Bob that so many of those who were his friends will smile every time he is remembered. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to know and love him. May you rest in peace, Bob."
"Bob was much more than a brother-in-law. He was a friend and role model. It is nearly impossible to capture in words what he meant to my family. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, and uncle. A positive impact and impression is what he left on all that knew him through family, freindship, business, softball, and casual aquaintance. He always made those that he met and knew him feel welcome with a warm smile, witty comment, and a genuine interest in them and their lives. Truly a life well lived and he leaves a positive, lasting legacy on all the lives that he so warmly touched. Thank you Bob and rest in peace."
"I went to work for Bob in 1989, he was by far the best boss anyone could possibly have. We became good friends over the years, what a wonderful man he was. I will miss you deeply my friend!"
"Uncle Bob - a true legend. I can still hear his deep voice. I can visualize him laughing and smiling. Calm, cool and collected. He was a treasure. I love that I always, ALWAYS, felt welcome in his home. I always knew we were family. He created a beautiful family. He emanated love. We will all miss him."
"Bob dazzled me the first time we met on a blind date at Indiana University and thereafter with his delightful spouse, Andie. What a perfect pair. A funny, lovable friend forever, Bob will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for the wonderful memories, dear one. Susan Hunter Hanafee "
"I met Bob through my dad's 50+ year friendship with Bob. In addition to being a tremendous person, Bob was a hall of fame-level storyteller. It was impossible to spend more than five minutes with him and not leave with a laugh, a smile or both. He may be gone, but we won't forget how he made us feel. Rob Brown"
"A great friend and teammate. A lot of fond softball memories. Bob will be sorely missed. Butch Kennedy "
"Great man with a great family. He took a pretty green high school kid, whose dad had passed away when he was very young, and took me under his wings and taught me some things about work and life !! Thank you sir and thank you Mrs. Marshall for having the confidence in me. Kevin Johnson "
"I first met Bob during fraternity rush at Ball State. We pledged Lambda Chi Alpha together. Even at an early age, Bob had a "presence." You knew when he was in the room. After graduation, I moved to California but on return visits to Indiana I saw Bob several times at LXA reunions, the last time being last October. Bob was always very friendly and gracious. And, it was obvious that he had retained that presence that we experienced all those years ago. We've lost one of the good guys, but memories live on. Forrest Theobald"
"Bob has been one of my closest friends for over 60 years. High school, college, raising families and growing old together . . . too many memories to catalog here, but the best memory will be of a kind, courageous, thoughtful, honest, humorous and, most of all, authentic friend. He has provided a model for accepting life and all the challenges it brings with a positive attitude and hopeful spirit. Thanks for being the best friend possible. Rest in peace and know that you will have a special place in my heart and mind forever."
"Bob was by definition the Best of the Best. Smart, warm, funny and a slightly mischievous heart. I will miss Bob more than words can ever explain. Oh what fun we had !!! Love you Bob"
"Through the years, from meeting him as an "older brother" in Lambda Chi Alpha and during our professional lives, Bob personified the very best of the word "Gentleman." He was many things and in them all he was a good man with class! Tom Cochrun Cambria Ca"
"I met Bob many years ago when I worked for Indiana National Bank. When ever I was assigned to a new location, Bob would follow me to Printing Arts branch to Riley Center, and lastly to Madison Ave branch. Bob and I would talk about Marshall Building Supply and our families. Bob was always easy to talk too and had this jest for life. May Bob Rest In Peace. Bernie Greene"
"The greatest tribute that I think I can give Bob that covers my thoughts i- I could not have had a better life's partner nor companion for my sister. During the last 50 years I never had to worry about or be concerned about Andie's well being. Everyone who knew will miss and lost a great and generous soul Jim Shuff"
"I will always cherish Bob's sense of humor and friendship. He was always upbeat and fun to be around. I was so honored to have Bob serve as best man in my wedding to Kete, Bob's fraternity brother. I can still hear them telling old college stories. I bet they are telling those in heaven right now. The world is going to miss you, Bob. You were a true friend an I will miss you so much. "
"Bob was my brother-in-law, but so much more. Friend, counselor, mentor, coach, and the best at each. He did so much = helping me with my basketball in high school, providing insight to college life, counsel for raising children, business advice - all from his heart, and accurate! My sister and he introduced me to their fantastic circle of friends, and all the laughter that followed. Wit, wisdom, character - we are all better from the time he shared with us. Rest in Peace Bob - you will be with us forever. "
"Bob and I first met when he was at PS#68 and I was at Ps#54, we were playing against each other in a summer baseball league. Although competitors we became fast friends. That was some 62 years ago! We both attended Tech H.S. and played both baseball and basketball together. Although I moved out of state after college, we never lost touch. Almost every month I had a load of Aardvarks for him and needed delivery instructions to his office or home. The critters are hard to handle! Many laughs!!! And rest assured, Bob, that my annual Christmas phone calls will always continue ! Rest in peace, my friend!"
"Bob was an old and dear friend. We met formally in college, but when I was in high school and Bob still at PS68, he and his friends would stop playing (in the neighborhood around 16th and Emerson) and just stare and laugh at me as I approached them. I never knew what was so funny. Later I found out that it was the way I walked. Whatever!! Whenever we'd talk on the telephone, we'd always laugh and giggle for the first few minutes. Bob was great at making up odd-ball scenarios. I will greatly miss him."