Bobby Gene Marshall

Bobby Gene 'Paw Paw' Marshall, 86, of Vidor passed away in his home on April 22. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at Memorial funeral home of Vidor, with burial to follow at Tom Havard Cemetery in Zavalla, TX at 3:00 pm. A gathering for family and friends will begin at 6:00 pm Thursday, April 24, 2014. Bob was born Oct. 8, 1927 in Shawnee Prairie, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry S. and Lula Marshall and a sister Bettie Stringer, all of Beaumont. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Sammie Lefaun Cathey Marshall, the love of his life; brothers John H. Marshall of Houston; Donald C. Marshall of Redlands, CA; and sister Peggy Marshall of The Woodlands; daughters Sherry Darden and spouse Burt of The Woodlands, Deborah Sehon and Spouse John of Houston, Pam Beadle of Vidor and Cathy Spence and spouse Wesley of Beaumont; sons Charles Marshall and spouse Annett of Vidor, Robert Marshall and spouse Gayle of Vidor, David Marshall of Atlanta, GA, and Mark Marshall of Vidor; 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. A graduate of South Park High School, Marshall served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon his discharge from the service he began a 40 -year career with Mobil Oil Refinery in Beaumont. At Mobil Bob was affectionately known by his friends as “Ol’ Bob”. Bob began his career at Mobil in the Machine Shop, but he spent most of his time there in the Garage. His reputation as an expert in all things mechanical, lead him to teach a Small Engine Class at Lamar College of Technology. He finished his career at Mobil in the Safety Department. Not one to do things half way he attended Lamar and became a Certified Emergency Medical Technician. After his retirement from Mobil Oil, he assumed the role of Ranger at Camp Niwana in Woodville which is operated by the Camp Fire Southeast Texas Council. He was known by all as “Ranger Bob”. Bob loved kids and his time there. He was responsible for rebuilding/refurbishing many of the lodges and cabins on the campus. One of Bob’s greatest joys was his 60 acres on Hwy 12 known by the family as “The Farm”. The Farm was their residence for the past 22 years and the site of many happy family gatherings. Bob also served as a deacon at Westside Church of Christ in Beaumont. A devote Christian, Bob was the first to volunteer to help his friends and neighbors and would never pass a stranger in need. He also attended Ridgewood Church of Christ in Beaumont and Freeway Church of Christ in Vidor. In lieu of flowers the family asks that individuals make a donation to the Freeway Church of Christ Building Fund or a charity of their choice.