Hal Marshall

1935 - 2021

Hal Marshall
May 4, 1935 - June 19, 2021
Kansas City, Missouri - Hal Edward Marshall was born in Wichita, Kansas on May 4, 1935. His parents were Dr. Hal Ellsworth Marshall and Edna (Worley) Marshall of Wichita. He was exceptionally proud that at an early age the family moved to the village of Eastborough, where he was raised.
Hal was the youngest of three children. His sister Virginia and brother Richard were strong influences growing up. Later he took up the mantle of Medicine, following his father and namesake into the "family business."
He studied at the University of Kansas and KU Medical School where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honorary medical society. His internship brought him to Portland, Oregon where he met Joan, the love of his life. They were married in 1961.
Hal served as a Captain in the Medical Corps of the US Army and he and Joan lived their early days together stationed in Louisiana before settling in the Kansas City area to raise a family.
He was a pathologist at Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City, and served as the Director of Laboratories and the chairman of the Department of Pathology for sixteen years. He retired in 2001 after thirty-four years of distinguished service.
Hal approached the world with an abiding sense of humor and wonder, tempered with the wisdom of his scientific background. He shared a lifelong love of travel and adventure with his wife and family, journeying through and across five continents. He always returned from his travels with awe-inspiring photographs which were prominently displayed throughout their home. He loved trains and the romance of the railroads, which captivated him as a young boy and throughout his life.
He was a reader and a listener and a teacher. Jazz was the music of his soul and his knowledge was extensive, and in later years he became a devotee of classical music as well. His kindness and love for the people in his life was constant; their spirits engaged and animated him. In conversation he was always quick with a joke, with a relevant historical anecdote or inside story.
He is survived by Joan, his loving wife of 59 years, and two sons, Hal Jr. and Christopher. His family includes their spouses, Valerie and Noramah, and his granddaughter Sophia. He took boundless delight in surrounding himself with them whenever possible.
Beloved as well were Hal's nieces Lucy, Molly and Abby, and his nephew Bill, who grew up with their "Uncle Hook" and were joined by their common love of the Kansas Jayhawks.
His circle of friends, so vital to his world, energized and challenged him with spirited discussion, humor, and merrymaking. Their support and love was everlasting and always returned in kind.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Hal's name to the Natural Resources Defense Council or to the charity of your choice.