Bob Marshall “enlisted in the Air Force on October 5, 1948 and graduated pilot training class 50-C. He flew the F80 in 102 combat missions in the Korean War. In 1956 he was stationed in Japan to train Japanese pilots in the F-86F. Pulling victor alert at Lakenheath, England; Cigli, Turkey; Aviano, Italy and gunnery training at Wheelus, Libya made it a memorable tour. In July, 1969 he volunteered for the Vietnam War and flew the F-100D in 110 missions over Vietnam as Commander of the 352 TFS and Assistant Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO). He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak cluster; the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star. Lieutenant Colonel Marshall retired in July 1970 and worked for the Air Force as civil servant in Procurement management until 1991.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Marshall retired in July 1970 and worked for the Air Force as civil servant in Procurement management until 1991.”(1)
Source: (1) https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19730361/robert-irving-marshall
Robert I. Marshall, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on June 2, 2007.
Lt. Col. Robert Irving Marshall
Fondly known as “Pawpaw”, “Pop”, “Bob”, “Fang”, or “Slug”, Robert Marshall lived life to the fullest. Whether he was flying jets, spending time with his children or grandchildren, playing golf or bridge, or attending Mass, he strived for perfection. Robert successfully organized his entire life, even his death. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 2, 2007, after a par on 16 and a birdie on 17 the same day.
Robert Marshall was born in Beaumont, Texas on October 15, 1928 to Helen and Marston (Jake) Marshall. He graduated from Beaumont High School, lettering in football and baseball and then attended the University of the South (Sewanee) & Lamar University on a football scholarship.
He enlisted in the Air Force on October 5, 1948 and graduated pilot training class 50-C. He flew the F80 in 102 combat missions in the Korean War. In 1956 he was stationed in Japan to train Japanese pilots in the F-86F. Pulling victor alert at Lakenheath, England; Cigli, Turkey; Aviano, Italy and gunnery training at Wheelus, Libya made it a memorable tour. In July, 1969 he volunteered for the Vietnam War and flew the F-100D in 110 missions over Vietnam as Commander of the 352 TFS and Assistant Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO). He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak cluster; the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star. Lieutenant Colonel Marshall retired in July 1970 and worked for the Air Force as civil servant in Procurement management until 1991.
Robert married the love of his life, Elizabeth Clifford Leicht, on April 19, 1952 in Saint Anthony’s Cathedral. They travelled the world together, moving 22 times while creating many cherished memories. He is survived by his four children, Debbie Locklear, Cindy Russell, Lisa Smith, and Rob Marshall. Their spouses are Jerry Russell, Louie Smith, and Joyce Marshall. Robert is also survived by Curtis Locklear, sister, Dorothy Hooker, sister Eleanor and husband Jim Church and numerous extended family members. He was a hero to all of his grandchildren: Catherine Locklear Worsham, Nathan Locklear, Erin Locklear Ellis, Michelle Russell Reid, Lauren Russell, Jay Russell, Rusty Smith, Jamie Smith, David Smith, Heather Marshall, and Elizabeth Marshall. He was also treasured by his numerous extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52 years, Clifford, and his brother, Marston.
His kindness, strength and courage touched many lives. He would hide his own suffering to put his children and grandchildren first. His passion for life was reflected in his love and dedication to being a devout Catholic as a member of Saint Louis Catholic Church. Watching sports (especially UT football, and his grandchildren’s sporting events/ dance recitals), playing golf at Lion’s Municipal Golf Course, and playing bridge at Dottie Jordan Recreation Center were significant parts of his life.
His family will gather together to celebrate his life on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 with visitation at the Cook Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be celebrated at Saint Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Road on June 6 at 2:00 p.m. Committal will immediately follow at Cook-Walden/Memorial Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. that evening at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks, Pflugerville, TX. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX 78757. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery. [Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 6/5/2007.]
