Ron Marshall

If you attended any Memorial Day parade and the free luncheon after at the VFW, you were likely to be greeted by Ron Marshall.  And herein lie the benefits gained by Washington.

(1932)- Ron was born into the Marshall family – yes, the ones who created a legend in dining out.  Parents Orville and Julie Marshall raised a family who served in a multitude of ways. Ron and Marian Magee tied the knot on August 23, 1952.  Three lovely daughters added more joy to their lives.

Ron served in the United States Air Force from 1952 until retiring as Major in 1975.  His lifelong love of Washington spurred him into community service, and he held the mayoral post from 1981 to 1989. Additionally, he occupied a seat on the Tazewell County Board.  Ron belonged to the Walker-Danforth V.F.W. Post 9016, serving as past commander.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 100 and the Military Officers Association of America.  He, Marian and his family faithfully attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

If you wanted a challenge on the golf course, Ron was your guy.  He segued that love into coaching the golf team at Illinois Central College, retiring in 2009.

Ron was not a politician but a people guy and you could count on him to deliver what he promised.  This was the way of the Marshall family from Orv and Julie on down.  Ron and Marian passed those qualities on to daughters Teri (deceased), Holly and Beth.  Ron passed away in 2011, but his great smile and friendly enthusiasm still resounds.