Will Adams Marston

Dad, Papa, and Coach were just a few of the names Will Adams Marston liked to be called. He had a unique talent for making sure everyone around him felt loved. To his family, he was a loving husband, wonderful father, and Papa. To the players and coaches he worked with during a career that spanned over 30 years at Haughton High School, Coach Marston inspired all to achieve their fullest potential. He was known for his witticisms like “It’s Buccaneer Weather” or “If you were two inches taller, you would have made that play.” 

Will passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 78 surrounded by his family at his home in Bossier City. He was born in Coushatta, LA on December 8, 1945. He graduated from Coushatta High School and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University. Will was preceded in death by his parents, Oletta Adams and Davis (Nap) Marston, Sr. of Coushatta, LA; his brother, Davis Marston, Jr.; sister-in-law, Bonnie Browning Marston, of Cadot, AR; aunt and uncle, Ava Adams and MP (Jeep) Pickett of Brookhaven, MS. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years of marriage, Brookie; children, Kelly (Greg) Bryant, Michael (Shauna) Marston and grandchildren, Brooke Bryant, Maddox Marston, Kadyn Bryant, Mason Marston, Riley Marston and numerous nieces and nephews. 

During Coach Marston’s career, he received honors as Coach of the Year five times, AAA Coach of the Year two times, and was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 3A Coach of the Year in 1990. Will Marston was inducted into the Haughton Hall of Fame in 2023. His teams won 101 games and four district championships. In 1990, he led the Bucs to the Class 3A semifinals a year after they reached the quarterfinals. He was also the defensive coordinator on the 1977 Class 3A state championship team. Coach Marston also coached baseball beginning with the first Haughton team in 1973. The Bucs reached the state championship game in 1981. His record as a head football coach at Haughton High School was an impressive 101-74-1. 

Upon retirement, Will turned his focus to being “Papa” where his grandchildren were the pride of his life. He seldom missed an event and especially enjoyed Maddox and Mason’s soccer games and Riley’s flag football games. He even rooted for Brooke and Kadyn who cheered for the opposing team when Benton played Haughton (but he refused to wear purple)! He was not your typical “Papa” because he stayed connected to all his grandkids using social media. His favorite posts were “Papa Like” and “Behave!" Everyone who knew Will knows he loved attending Haughton High School football games especially these last few seasons, where his son Michael coached, and his grandson Maddox played.  

Will had a wide circle of friends including his hunting and golf buddies and was active in the First United Methodist Church of Bossier and served on several committees. He was a member of the Lost & Found Sunday School class.  

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the community for their outpouring of love, prayers, and support during these difficult times. 

Services will be held Friday, October 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Bossier, officiated by Reverend Mark Goins. The Family will receive visitors from 9:00 to 10:00 am with the service beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will be after the service at Springville Cemetery, 118 Caliope Street, Coushatta, Louisiana. Pallbearers are Kent Bockhaus, Gene Couvillion, Rodney Guin, Jerry Lee, Maddox Marston, and Glenn Maynor. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Brotherton and Kenny Stephenson.