John Lucius Marchal

John Lucius Marchal, 85, of Milton, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on February
16, 2025.
Born in Defiance, Ohio, on May 30, 1939, John was the eldest of five children born to the late
Joseph Isadore Marchal and Cecilia Rothman Marchal. A man of deep faith, unwavering
dedication, and a heart for service, he spent his life giving to others-whether through his
military service, his devotion to family, or his tireless contributions to his church and
community.
John learned the value of hard work at an early age, taking on a paper route at just 12 years old
to help support his family. He worked after school at a bowling alley for several years and later
at the same bakery as his father, giving much of his earnings to his mother to help with
household expenses.
In August 1957, John enlisted in the United States Navy, embarking on a distinguished 30-year
military career, primarily serving as a submariner. He retired on March 1, 1987, with the rank
of Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). His time in the Navy took him around the world, visiting
Chicago, New London, CT, Pocatello, ID, San Diego, Portsmouth, NH, Charleston, SC,
Rota, Spain, Japan, Scotland, and finally Pensacola, FL, where he retired.
John spent the first half of his life unmarried, which afforded him the time to develop deep
friendships and cultivate his love of cooking. He was known for preparing meals for family and
friends and took particular pride in making Scotch Woodcock, or "Egg Stuff," for every
holiday-always ensuring there was plenty for his children and grandchildren to take home.
John also had a deep love for music, particularly classical and bluegrass. He found great joy in
listening to the works of Vivaldi, Mozart, Ray Conniff, and Percy Faith. Whether enjoying the rich
harmonies of a bluegrass tune or the timeless beauty of a symphony, music was a constant
companion that brought him comfort and happiness.
John also had a love of card games, with Canasta, Euchre, Pepper, and Pinochle among his
favorites. He enjoyed the friendly competition and the camaraderie that came with a good game.
A devout Catholic, John was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton,
FL, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He was also deeply involved in
the Knights of Columbus Council 7027, dedicating much of his time to voluntary service.
John's generosity knew no bounds-he gave his time and treasure selflessly to those in need,
embodying the principles of faith, charity, and compassion in everything he did.
In 1978, John married Orlene Walker, embracing both their love and the responsibility of
raising a family together. A devoted husband and father, he was a steady, loving presence in the
lives of Sherri Presley, Timothy Walker (who preceded him in death in 1987), Robert
"Jimbo" Walker, Julie Eicher, and his daughter with Orlene, Amanda Barzacchini. Though
John and Orlene had one child together, he was a father in every sense to all their children,
raising them with love, guidance, and a strong moral foundation.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Orlene; his children, Sherri Presley (Joe), Robert
"Jimbo" Walker (Julie), Julie Eicher (Victor), and Amanda Barzacchini (Joe); his
grandchildren:
• Sherri & Joe Presley's children – Tonya White, Joey Presley, Christy Barden, Amber
Presley, and Jessica Presley
• Robert "Jimbo" & Julie Walker's children – Robert Walker Jr., Jenny Misenheimer,
Henry Walker, and Madalyn Boydstun
• Julie & Victor Eicher's children – Felicia Martin, Michael Lovins, and Gage Eicher
• Amanda & Joe Barzacchini's children – Abigail Barzacchini and Cecilia Barzacchini
He is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and his siblings: Suzanne Field, Mary
Marchal, and Judith Hall. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother,
James Marchal, who was the twin of Judith Hall.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on February 26th
, followed
by military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Knights of
Columbus Council 7027 in his honor.
John Lucius Marchal lived his faith through action, dedicating himself to his family, his church,
and his community. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion, his boundless
generosity, his love of family traditions, and the joy he found in simple pleasures like cooking
and playing cards. His legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew
him.