John B. Marsh, 80, died Oct. 25 at his home in Turlock after a long illness. He was born in 1930 in Stranton, Pa. to E. Roy and Helen B. Marsh. He graduated from Dunmore High School in Pennsylvania, attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and then graduated from Syracuse University. He served four years in the United States Navy before moving to California to take classes at Claremont Graduate School.
John began his teaching career in Hilmar, followed by several years at Turlock Junior High. In 1964 he began teaching biology and coaching freshman football and track at Turlock High School. He retired from Turlock High after 26 years.
In retirement John enjoyed playing senior softball, attending Elderhostels and making wooden toys, which he and his wife sold at craft fairs. Most importantly, he loved being “Grampa” to his grandchildren.
John was a 50-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Turlock where he was an ordained elder and long time member of the choir. He especially enjoyed the Wednesday morning men’s coffee group.
John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lois; children, Steven Marsh and wife, Nancy, of Reedley, Andrew Marsh and wife, Jennifer, of Modesto, and Amy Means and husband, Terry, of Curtin, Ore.; grandchildren, Gideon Marsh and Annabel Marsh of Reedley, and Madison and Matthew Marsh of Modesto; niece, Marcia Smith of Maine; nephew, Tim Richards of Florida; nephew, Jerry Richards; and numerous grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces and great grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mimi Marsh and Weesie Richards.
The family wishes to express thanks to the VNA team and the Community Hospice team which provided care and comfort during the last two months of John’s life.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 at First Presbyterian Church of Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First Presbyterian Church choir fund, 2619 N. Berkeley Ave., Turlock, CA 95382 or Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
