William Marshall Jr., veteran, master plumber

William “John” Marshall Jr., 75, of Millsboro, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born April 30, 1948, in Richmond, Va., son of the late William John Marshall Sr. and Elizabeth Lipscomb Marshall. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Marshall; and a sister, Carol Marshall.

John was a proud Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he became the owner/operator of F&M Plumbing, where he worked as a master plumber until his retirement. He was particularly proud to be one of the first master plumbers in Delaware, with a low license number of 35. 

In his leisure time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching movies. However, his greatest joy in life came from being a father and grandfather. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.  

John is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ruth Marshall of Millsboro; three children, Anthony Marshall Sr. (Keri) of Seaford; Kristine Kellenbenz (Roger II) of Seaford, and John Absher (Judy) of Forest City, N.C. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Tony Marshall Jr., Troy Marshall, Bryce Marshall, Emma Marshall, Hunter Speed, Myra Browning, Anita Absher and Christina Absher; as well as one great-granddaughter, Annabelle. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Gains and Peggy Brady, both of Georgetown; and a brother, Tim Marshall (Peg) of Elkins, W.Va.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where a viewing will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of choice that benefits veterans, a cause in which John strongly believed.

Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage at watsonfh.com.