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Howard Marsh Obituary

Howard D. Marsh Howard D. Marsh, age 74, passed away December 25, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra Whitehead Marsh; sons, Ron Marsh and Terry (Pam) Marsh; daughter-in-law, Nancy Marsh; grandchildren, Jacob, Sam, Marie, Amelia and Adam; Goddaughter, Sandra Kowalk Thompson; brothers, Fred (Sue) Marsh, Dan (Melinda) Marsh, David Marsh; sister, Melinda Napier; sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Joan Whitehead; and many nieces and nephews. Howard was a crane operator for Granger Construction for over 40 years and a member of Opt. Engs. for 50 years. Because of his love of his sons and sports he became a coach of Little League Football, The Story Olds Tornados Flag Football. Then along with 2 other men, started the Jr. Chieftains Tackle Football Team and coached them for many years. Howard touched many young lives through coaching and mentoring and taught valuable lessons in life. Because of his love of sports he followed his grandchildren in swimming and water polo until his passing. Because of his love of cars, he started Marsh Ent. Vending Remanufactured car parts for 55-70 Chevy parts. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI at 10 a.m. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Contributions may be made to: Hospice Services, Sparrow Foundation, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909 or Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, 4315 Pleasant Grove Rd. Lansing, MI 48910 On-line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Dec. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Marsh

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Ron and JoAnn Cook

December 30, 2011

As the days and weeks pass and you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bobby Schmidt

December 28, 2011

If there was a Hall of Fame for Youth Coaches, Mr. Marsh would be a Charter Member. He set the foundation for numerous young men who carried on in the area to excell in playig and coaching. He always lead by example, simply a great motivator, as a player you never wanted to let him down....

Chuck & Jan Johnson & Family

December 28, 2011

Howard, I can still see you & the Harris's walking up Hunter Blvd to pick me up every morning going to school. Soon we all got cars one by one. My 36 Ford, your 39 Chev coupe & the Hudson of the Harris's. The horse that almost beat you. The time you pulled me from St Louis to Michigan with a 20' chain. All the cars you went to Calif. to get good cars. I'll never forget all the (is that the best you can do). Thanks for the Memories, Chuck

Katrina Hoyt

December 28, 2011

Dear Marsh Family,
I am so sorry to here of Howard's passing. I haven't seen the family since Grandma Norma's Funeral (1999) but have thought of all of you through the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through the loss of a wonderful son, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and nephew.
Katie (Black) Hoyt

Sandra Kowalk-Thompson

December 28, 2011

Being part of the Marsh Family means being part of something special! I was named after Sandy, always looked up to Ron & Terry, and treasured that grin from Howard! You have been there for me through the worst days and the best moments of my life! I have such fond memories of our time together in Florida at spring training, at swap meets, and trips up-north. Rest in peace dear GodFather. I love you and will miss you. Sandy Jr.

Bill Goodwin

December 28, 2011

"I am very sorry to hear of your family's loss."

Joe Thompson

December 28, 2011

Over the years, I've worked with a lot of different people and to be quite honest, most come and go and rarely make what I would consider a lasting impression. I've managed accordingly; however the handful of people that made a lasting impact on my life, were “discovered” on different construction projects. These are all “salt of the earth” types ---- honest, hard working individuals that take their jobs seriously and don't take a lot of BS from anyone. They know how to roll up their sleeves and get it done. I first met Howard when I was a fledgling concrete foreman and for some unknown reason, he took me under his wing. I immediately sensed a much keener presence operating that massive crane and consequently treated him with the genuine respect he so richly deserved. He was, without question, the best operator I ever had the pleasure of working with ------ he could direct his crane to make coffee and swing it up to you in an open cup. His skill was simply amazing. Howard was very principled in his business and could always be counted on to be fair and open-minded. He was a pleasure to be around, was steadfast in his beliefs and most importantly a man of unwavering fairness. I mostly enjoyed Howard's wry wit and great sense of humor………he was a lot of fun to be around.

Years later, Howard (and Terry) helped me build a car. Howard possessed remarkable knowledge and automotive skill. Let me put it this way ------ he'd forgotten more than I'll ever know. I'll be forever grateful for his help in this adventure. Once again, he helped a fledgling ---- once again, he commanded my deepest admiration and respect.
I am honored to say that Howard Marsh was my friend.

I'm clueless when it comes to times like these, but I have come to the realization that eternity is a very long time ---- that's about as clear as it gets for me. I truly hope that Howard is resting in a better place and glowing with well deserved pride stemming from a lifetime of honest work and dedication to his family and friends.

I extend my sincere condolences to all. I enjoyed working with both Ron & Terry and offer my absolute best for all of the Marsh family. Howard will clearly be missed by all. It seems the people you care about the most are the ones that are taken from you too soon.



Take Care,
Joe Thompson

Mark & Shirley Ragsdale

December 28, 2011

Mark and I are so very sorry for your loss. Howard was a great guy and he will be missed. Our sympathy to you all.

Don Bickel

December 27, 2011

So sorry for your loss, Howard will be greatly missed by so many people.
RIP my friend.

December 27, 2011

Terry, So sorry for your lost my prayer and thoughts are with you and your family. Ken Wing

December 27, 2011

Heartfelt sympathy to Sandy and family from the Everett High School class of 1956. A good man has left us.

David & Patty Cripe

December 27, 2011

Will miss our Great Friend Howard, our prayers are with the Family. Lots of fond memories at the car shows & swap meets !

David McAlvey

December 27, 2011

Terry, Ron and the Marsh family.
So sorry for your loss. Howard was a great man and always very good to me. I always thouroughly enjoyed chatting with him, whether at a job site, Quality Dairy, or wherever our paths crossed. I never failed to learn something "new" in our conversations, and he never failed to express how proud he was of your family. May God's Grace be with you all.

Jim & Delores Stank

December 27, 2011

Our most heart felt sympathy to all.

(Don & Helen Marsh's son)

Dale and Nancy Smith

December 27, 2011

Sandy, Fred and family, so sorry for your loss. We did not know Howard long but had fun visiting and playing cards with all of you down here in Florida. Prayers are with you.

December 27, 2011

Please accept our condolences for your family's loss. Howard was an admirable man and his contributions to this world are still evident in his family and those that he has influenced over the years.

Dennis & Angela Carignan

Bill Schmidt

December 27, 2011

My deepest sympathies on the passing of a great man. I had the honor of playing football for Mr. Marsh and the Story Olds Tornados, he left a lasting imprint on me as he taught selfless team play. Ron, Terry, Mrs. Marsh ... I am so sorry for your loss.

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