John Marshall

John Preston Marshall, 69, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 26, 2025. John was born June 11, 1956 in St. Joseph Michigan to Jane Preston and John Nevius Marshall, but he grew up in Benzie County where the Marshall family had longstanding roots. John graduated from Benzie Central High School in 1974 and Central Michigan University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. He returned to Benzie Central as a teacher at Crystal Lake Elementary School and coached girls varsity volleyball. John found himself temporarily laid off during a staff reduction in 1981. Seeking another, more stable career path, he chose dentistry. He received his Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Michigan in 1988. John purchased a dental practice in Sheridan, Michigan, where he developed life-long relationships with
staff and patients until he sold his practice and retired in 2021.
John met the love of his life, Connie Lorraine Evey, while attending CMU as they both were preparing for careers in education. John and Connie were married at the Benzonia Congregational Church on June 14, 1980. John lived a bold life, filling every minute of every day with hard work, kindness, and friendship. He found a way to bring joy and laughter to any situation.
John was active in many professional and civic organizations. He served as President of the West Michigan Dental Association. John was an active member of the Lions Club, the West Shore Waterski Club, the Benzie County Republican Party, and the Benzie Wellness and Aquatic Center organization. At the time of his death, he was once again working with school children, serving as a paraprofessional at Lake Ann Elementary School.
John was a long-suffering Detroit Lions fan. He had a competitive spirit and loved being active. He enjoyed basketball, downhill skiing, sailing, and many other sports. He was an accomplished tournament water-skier and tennis player, who loved to mentor others.
John is survived by his wife Connie and daughters Meghan Anne and Molly Kathryn; brother Neil D. (Shelley) Marshall; and sister Laura (Nick) Kassanos; step sisters Debbie Dieckman, Diana (Mark) Iverson, brother-in-law Gary (Lori) Evey and nieces and nephews: Courtney (Josh) Crocker, Thomas (Kasey) Marshall, Preston (Karely) Byrd-Nowsch, and Nathan (Ken) Nowsch, Kelsey (Jordan) Eveyand Rebecca Evey and parents-in-law Elmon (Carole) Evey.
A celebration of life and funeral service for John will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Benzonia, 901 Barber Street, Benzonia, MI 49616. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of the following charities/organizations: Benzie Wellness & Aquatic Center (PO Box 2204, Frankfort, MI 49635); Benzie County Animal Shelter (543 S. Michigan Avenue, Beulah, MI 49617) Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Homes of Benzonia.