Marshall Blosser

The loving family of Marshall E. Blosser sadly announces his passing while he was vacationing in Florida on January 10, 2008. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Mary, daughters Marsha Bidgood and husband Jim, Marilyn Busboom and husband Bob, son Mark and wife Sheri, and loving dog Maggie. Marshall is survived by his grandchildren Marisa, Lindsey, MaryBeth, Krissy, Annie, Casey, Jake, Alli, Mandy and Alex. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Kent and Ruth Blosser. He was preceded in death by his son Marlin, and his parents Alton K. and Jean Blosser.

The most important thing to Marshall was his family. He was so proud of his role as husband, father and grandfather and cherished his time spent with them. Marshall could always be counted on for his help, support and love in every situation. Some of the best times in Marshall's life were summers at his home on Lake of the Ozarks. Marshall's last words to his family were always: "I love you."

Marshall was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on April 16, 1933; returning to the states after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In the tenth grade he met his wife of 54 years, Mary, when she asked him out to a dance.

Marshall was a successful builder, developer and realtor. He also served in the Army and was a Mason and Shriner. However, his true passion was to be an advocate for mentally handicapped individuals. Depending on the time of year, Marshall magically transformed himself into a clown, the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. Thousands benefited from the gifts, candy, donuts and excitement created by the generosity of his spirit. Marshall's dedication to TARC and Sheltered Living Inc. demonstrated his devotion to those persons less able to speak for themselves.

Marshall's exuberance for life was reflected in his fashionable clothes, interest in people, love for Las Vegas shows, fine restaurants as well as sunny beaches in Florida.

In Marshall's last call to his son Mark, he exclaimed, "It is a beautiful day, and the sun is shining!" This was the essence of Marshall as husband, dad, grandfather and friend.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on January 15, 2008, at Countryside Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, Kansas, 66611. Private family inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to TARC Inc. Foundation, 2701 SW Randolph Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66611; or Sheltered Living, Inc. Foundation, 2044 SW Fillmore, Topeka, Kansas 66604.