Joseph E. Marshall

Joseph E. "Joe" Marshall, 86, of Topeka, went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 14, 2014. He was born November 2, 1927 in Atchison, KS, the son of Hearl and Lucille Miller Marshall.

Joe served in the U.S. Army for 23 years before retiring at the rank of 1SG (Sergeant). His service included tour duties during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a member of St. John AME Church, volunteered at the Topeka Police Department and served at the Annual Topeka Thanksgiving Dinner. Joe served on the Topeka Housing Authority Board. There is a housing complex known as "Marshall Square" which was named in honor of him.

Joe married Marianne Boykin. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his son, Joseph E. Marshall, Jr., five brothers and one sister. Survivors include one son, Gerald Watkins, one daughter, Tracy Marshall, one step-son, Terrence Boykin, two step-daughters, Valerie Boykin-Tate and Diedra Boykin, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one brother, Darryl (Jessie) Marshall, one sister, Elizabeth Thompson, and his Aunt, Edith Parker. Joe is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at St. John AME Church. Graveside committal services will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Leavenworth National Cemetery. Joe will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2014 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave.