WILLIAM MARSH

WILLIAM ROBERT MARSH William Robert Marsh, 94, died Friday, January 19, 2024, in Independence, Mo. He was born in Cresco, Iowa, to William A. and Marietta Marsh on November 24, 1929. Bill's growing-up years were spent in Lamoni, Iowa, and he graduated from Lamoni high school in 1947. Bill attended Graceland College for two years where he met his wife, Patricia DeLapp. The couple were married in September of 1950 just as Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Army Signal Corps until his honorable discharge in March of 1953. By that time, he and Pat had a daughter, Ardyce. Bill used the GI Bill to return to college at University of Missouri and graduated with a degree to teach Vocational Agriculture. By that time, they had two more children, Margaret, and James. Bill's teaching career covered more than 35 years in Iowa and Missouri. His influence on the lives of many of his students is still fondly remembered. He also drove 18-wheelers over the road and taught in local trucking schools. Bill was a convert to the RLDS faith where his wife was a member. They later affiliated with Independent Restoration Branches, and most recently, Bill joined The Everlasting Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Day. Bill was an ordained minister and carried his Elder ID cards in his wallet until his death. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. One of his favorite later years memories was a wild boar hunt with two adult grandsons. After his wife passed away in 2013, Bill continued to attend the senior center lunches in Buckner where he met Vicki West. They enjoyed a 10-year friendship, traveling and helping each other with the challenges of aging. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, his wife, Patricia, his son, Jim Marsh, and one nephew. He is survived by one brother, John Marsh, his daughters, Ardyce Nordeen (Craig) and Margaret Marsh, daughter-in-law, Brinda Marsh, six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 12 nephews and nieces and many special family friends, including Vicki West and Betsy Taylor. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to The Everlasting Church of Jesus Christ or to FISH Veterans Organization.