David George Marshall was born Sept. 24, 1961, in Middletown, Connecticut, son of Robert Marshall and Geraldine (Hickey) Marshall. Early on in his life, his family moved to Vermont. It was at school in Vergennes, Vermont where he met the love of his life, Jacqueline Mailloux. He and Jackie were married Oct. 3, 1981. David later supported his family as a horticulturist as the family honey business branched out into greenhouses and produce.
David’s focus in life was his family and his faith and all his decisions were grounded in these two respects. The family left Vermont and relocated to Michigan, and in a short time settled in their home in Gobles. David hit the ground running, again, making a name for himself as a grower in Kalamazoo and again donating his time as a medical first responder with the Paw Paw Quick Response Team, where he would serve for 20 years. He had a strong Catholic faith and was involved at Saint Mary Catholic Church, where he taught religious education. In 2013, David started his own business, MorningStar Grower Services. He was dedicated to being a quality supplier of plants and seeds throughout North America.
Faith and family were the core of David’s life. He enjoyed doing all the “dad things,” while raising his nine children. The family had many fun adventures hiking, skiing, fishing, and traveling. David enjoyed many outdoor activities and meticulously growing plants and tending his gardens. He was fond of swimming and, most recently, taking up golf. Some of his family’s best memories were of him grilling on the back porch. Summer meals were created by David putting his collection of grills to use. He loved to relax with and enjoy time with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter.
His greatest challenge came with his battle with cancer, which he faced head on and with resolute strength, patience, high spirits, and steadfast faith.
David passed away at his home with his family by his side, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Marshall; three daughters, Emily Marshall, Lydia (Jacob) Borys and Sophie Marshall; six sons, Alex (Katie) Marshall, Keith (Samantha) Marshall, Liam (Karley) Marshall, David Marshall, Will Marshall and Benjamin Marshall; 11 grandchildren, Cecelia, Killian, Genevieve, Juliette and Eloise Wurzler; Katie Jo, Max and Ben Marshall; Aurora, Beatrix and Cassian Borys; his mother, Geraldine Marshall; two sisters, Joanie Marshall and Nancy Husk; one brother, Chris Marshall; many nieces and nephews; son-in-law, James Wurzler; brother-in-law, Paul (LuAnne) Mailloux; niece, Gabrielle Mailloux; and longtime close friend, John Redmond.
David was preceded in death by his father, Robert Marshall; and brother, Bob Marshall.
Family and friends are invited to gather Friday, Feb. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, where a rosary service will begin at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will follow Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw, with the Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen officiating. Burial will conclude at Saint Mary Cemetery, Paw Paw.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Give Kids the World Village in Florida. Share a memory or sign the online tribute wall at: www.adamspawpaw.com