1966
2016
MARSHALL, John O.
Dr. John O. Marshall died tragically on January 26, 2016. He was the Chief of Surgery at the VA Medical Center, Spokane. John was on his way to work after a morning jog in downtown Spokane, with his feet pounding the pavement and his favorite tunes in his ears. And that's about all we know about that. What we do know is that his wife and two children were the center of his life and that he never meant to leave them. He is survived by hundreds of family, friends, fellow service members, colleagues, and patients who will remember his character and miss his companionship. A 4th-generation Marine, John served in 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines out of Ft. Pendleton and performed as a Communications Officer in multiple conflicts including the LA Riots and Somalia. He separated as a Captain and moved back to the East Coast from where he originated to enroll in a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program. There he met his wife Suzan in Organic Chemistry. John and Suzan went on to receive their medical degrees at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and John surprised her with an engagement/wedding while they were on vacation (she said, "yes"). They then survived general surgery residency programs in Harrisburg and York, PA. John deployed after the 5-year program to Asadabad, Afghanistan as a combat surgeon for the 2nd Forward Surgical Team. John and Suzan met up the following year at the 121st Combat Support Hospital, Yongsan, Seoul, S. Korea, where John also commanded the 35th Forward Surgical Team. After 4 years of US Army Service and John at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, the Marshalls returned to the US with their two beautiful children, Liam from S. Korea and Elle from China. They chose the Northwest to raise their family and bought a peaceful horse farm. Sadly, their life with John ended abruptly, but they will live on with his spirit, surrounded by love and support from an entire community.
West Coast Service at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, February 13, 1:00.
East Coast Service at Marine Memorial Chapel, Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, March 5, Noon.
Donations for both services are gratefully accepted through gofundme.com/buyy7337.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I am so sad to learn of John's death. I knew him in high school. He was a wonderful, fun, and a loyal friend. My heart goes out to his family. Rest now Sweet John.
Michele Armbruster Hawkins
October 17, 2016
I served with John in 2/9. Thoughts and prayers... Semper fi, brother.
Kirk Coker
February 19, 2016
John didn't know well but seem real kind. You will be miss by a lot of people.
darlene hutchison
February 19, 2016
The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!
George Hilbish
February 18, 2016
Dear Family,
His loss leaves huge emptiness at many levels. Dr. Marshall contributed greatly to the success of everything he participated in: from surgery to leadership roles at the VA, to preparing the next flight of young doctors, to his service to his country and fellow soldiers, to his beloved family. I feel confident that he is watching over his dear family. As a colleague, with occasional contact I knew that his dear wife, son and daughter were the love of his life. My prayers and hopes will be with each of you as you move through your tender lives holding John/your Dad in your hearts. He was a great man and was deeply devoted to you.
Dr. Lynda Williamson
February 13, 2016
I served with John in 2/9. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace my friend, Semper Fi.
Hal Sellers
February 13, 2016
John Marshall was a good friend and colleague of mine from our time together in the Marine Corps 1991-93. He had gotten to the mythical "Fleet" ahead of me, so he was my senior and someone I looked up to. John was always generous with his time and a great mentor and friend to everyone he encountered. He loved a good laugh and a good prank and was always one of those guys who lit up a room when he arrived. He was a good Marine and I'm sure a great Dr. because he cared about people - genuinely. The world will be less interesting and less caring without him. Semper Fidelis, Baby John - your friend, Brian Fitzell.
Brian Fitzell
February 13, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Marshall's family. We had the opportunity to meet Dr. Marshall at the VA when he performed surgery on my husband a few months ago. He had a great bedside manner, treated my husband with respect, and personally gave me a call when he was done to tell us how it went. During appointments with my husband he was always very personable and shared stories with my husband about his service and experiences as my husband was a medic when he served in the Army as well. This is a great loss not only to his family and friends, but to the VA community. You will be missed Doctor, may you rest in peace!
Ron and Jennifer Sewell
February 12, 2016
The Lord's Blessings and Peace upon the Marshall family.
Tom Hudson
February 10, 2016
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extends our deepest sympathies to the family of John O. Marshall for your loss. We honor him for the service and sacrifice he has made for our nation, he I is a true hero.
February 8, 2016
Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace
February 7, 2016
I'm truly at a loss of words. He was a very gentle soul. I cannot imagine what his wife and children are going through. May God keep and comfort his family and friends in the upcoming days. He is watching over his loved ones anxiously awaiting their reunion one day in Heaven.
Lindsey M
February 7, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Suzan and children
Lou Costa
February 7, 2016
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