William Paul "Bill" Marsh Sr.

William "Bill" Paul Marsh Sr., of Galien, MI, was born on September 10, 1944, in Galien, Michigan, to Clarence Alva Marsh Sr. and Nina Irene (Smith) Marsh, and passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 81.

Bill grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility that guided him throughout his life. He was a lifelong farmer who grain and hay farmed and raised livestock, working the land with pride and dedication. In addition to farming, he spent his early years working at Clark Equipment in Buchanan, MI, alongside many of the Marsh clan.

On February 13, 1965, Bill married the love of his life, April Mary Hanlin, and together they built a life full of hard work, laughter, and family. They raised three children-Bill Jr., Steve, and Lisa-and shared nearly six decades of love and partnership. Together they owned and operated Marsh Farm and, in 1990, founded Marsh Farm Trucking, L.L.C., both in Galien.

Bill and his family were avid tractor pullers and spent many years enjoying the sport together. After April's passing on December 17, 2019, he named her tractor "Pulling Her Pride and Joy" and drove it in local parades and pulled it in events in her memory.

He was the hardest-working guy you knew-known around the county for his trucking business and his CB handle, "Old Man," proudly displayed on the side of his semi. Whether behind the wheel of his truck or out on the farm, Bill put his heart into everything he did.

Beyond his work, Bill was a man of humor and generosity. He enjoyed tractor pulling, collecting and restoring antique tractors, playing cards, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in sports and other activities, and taking the occasional trip to the casino, sales, or auctions. Bill participated in Buchanan Plow Days, the annual Mackinac Antique Tractor Parade & Show on Labor Day weekend and was active in the Michiana Two-Cylinder Club and The Color Show, where he and April proudly displayed their tractors at the Berrien County Youth Fair. He never missed a chance to lend a hand when someone needed help or work done.

He is survived by his sons, Bill Jr. (Jennifer) Marsh of Galien, and Steve Marsh of Galien; daughter, Lisa (Paul Wilkins) Marsh of Buchanan; grandchildren, Brenten Marsh, Nick Marsh, Kara (Anthony Ward) Marsh, Steven Marsh Jr., Celeste Marsh, and Tristen (Hannah Bradbury) McCarty; great-grandchildren Brycen Marsh, Wyatt Lozmack, Westin Marsh, and Maverick Ward; brother, Fred "Butch" Marsh; and sister-in-law, Hazel Marsh. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, April; and brothers, Clarence Marsh Jr., Roy Marsh, and Ted Marsh.

Bill will be remembered for his endless stories, inappropriate jokes, and contagious laughter. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him-but we take comfort knowing he's back with April and free from pain.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Michiana Two-Cylinder Club or to The Color Show, in care of Lisa Marsh, in Bill's honor.

A celebration of life will be held on November 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the American Legion of Buchanan Post 51, located at 403 Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107. Please join us to reminisce and celebrate the life of Bill - son, husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and "Old Man." Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com.