Allen Ray Marshall

Allen Ray Marshall of Carmel, Indiana passed away on May 27 at Zionsville Meadows at the age of 88. In his humoristic way, he would say he was born “at a very early age” to Ray and Charolotte Marshall in Culver, Indiana on December 5, 1922. While growing up in Culver, he loved going fishing after refurbishing his grandfather’s boat. He loved singing, plays, ran track and at the age of 16 traveled the state as a member of the Culver Rifle and Pistol team. He was proud of his solo flight in a cub plane in 1942. Allen continued his love of flying when he enlisted December 2, 1942 for active duty in the United States Army Air Force. He graduated as a pilot on May 23, 1944 and was assigned to the South Pacific. In August 1947, the USAAF became the United States Air Force and Allen advanced to the rank of Captain. On April 26, 1957, he married Betty Mae Boswell who later passed away leaving him with their three children – Rebecca Denaway, Retired Col. Rex Marshall (Eva), and Alicia (Todd) Lewis. During their family years, Allen worked within the life insurance industry with most of the time with New York Life. After the death of Betty, Allen moved to Indianapolis to re-establish himself. He began working for Manpower, Inc. and fell in love with Esther Marshall. They married on October 30, 1965, and he gained another daughter – Dr. Janice Battenberg. After leaving the insurance industry, Allen was employed by TEBCO (Truck Equipment and Body Company). He spent 16 years with the company and retired as an officer December 1984. During his retirement years, Allen and Esther volunteered many hours behind the scenes helping Janice establish Midwest Academy, Inc. dba Academy Plus School. Several years later, he worked a few hours a month to help with the school’s maintenance. Allen loved to travel and would joke by saying, “I have traveled the world over and some of the better parts of Michigan.” He loved genealogy and was quite a historian and leaves behind many albums of family history. Through his love of photography, he compiled many pictures to accompany all his volumes of writings. Other family members he leaves behind are a sister-in-law, 2 nieces, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Two Marshall brothers, Thomas (Mildred) Marshall and James (Martha), preceded him in death. We wish to thank those at Zionsville Meadows who became his new friends and caregivers during his last year and a half struggle with Dementia. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the either the Broad Ripple Robert E. Kennington #34 or Carmel #155 American Legion Posts or the Indiana Hamilton County Humane Society in honor of Allen’s canine lap blanket and sleeping buddy – Cody Jack. Visitation is Tuesday, May 31at 11:30 a.m. prior to the 1:30 memorial service at the Carmel, Indiana Flanner and Buchanan Mortuary. Burial will be at the Indianapolis Washington Park North Cemetery.