Marshall Adams Macomber

Marshall Adams Macomber was born on April 7, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN. He passed away on September 7, 2026 in Indianapolis, IN.

Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Anne Adams Macomber and William Hiram Macomber; his siblings Bill Macomber, Janet Raynor, Anne Page, and Bart Macomber; his son-in-law Brad Brueckmann; and his soulmate and wife, Deborah Wells Macomber.

He is survived by his children, Laura Macomber Brueckmann, Janet Macomber Hansen (Curt), and Rob Macomber (Linda); his grandchildren, Erik Brueckmann (Stephanie), Heidi Brueckmann (Jacob Presson), Kirstin Brueckmann Kruip (Benjamin), CJ Hansen (Lulu Xu), Jamie Macomber, Casey Hansen, and Brian Macomber; his great-grandchild, Wells Kruip; as well as his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

After spending his formative years in Kendallville, IN, Marshall attended Culver Military Academy in Culver, IN. He received his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and was a member of Cornell’s ROTC program. He went on to complete his Master of Business Administration also at Cornell University. He served three years in the United States Airforce at Offutt Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis before continuing his career at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, IN working with one of his favorite things — computers. After retiring from Lilly, Marshall pursued various entrepreneurial opportunities, working out of an office his grandchildren remember fondly for having a typewriter they were allowed to play with. After fully retiring, he and Debbie enjoyed life with family and friends.

Marshall found his soulmate at Cornell University when freshman Deborah Wells quite literally reached out to grab him as he walked by when she was left without a counselor at her orientation. This seemed to be a moment of divine intervention that led to 58 years of marriage. She was, and always will be, the love of his life. Knowing they are together once more brings the family immense comfort.

If Debbie was the guiding light of the family (much to her chagrin as a self-proclaimed “outlaw”), Marshall was the quiet, steadfast foundation — a constant presence. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him could see that nothing was more important to him than his family and making sure they were taken care of, a responsibility to which he dedicated his life. The family was able to come together in two exceptionally special places: Sanibel Island, FL and Lake Wawasee, IN. In these homes away from home, Marshall provided the space for extended family to gather, connect, and create memories, continuing the traditions and values instilled in him by his parents and grandparents.

Known for the twinkle in his eyes (maybe it was just the cataracts) and being a world-class kibbitzer after swearing up and down he didn’t want to play the game or be in the conversation,

Marshall was the backbone of the family. His family lovingly teased him for years about how he gave everyone a hard time for shopping too much (thank you, Mom/Grandma), grumbled about having to go out to eat yet again instead of being left in peace with his turkey sandwich, and always requested a receipt, no matter how small the purchase.

If you were to walk through his house, you were likely to see either a Hallmark movie or nature documentary playing on the TV. There was always a pair of binoculars nearby, whether in Indianapolis, Wawasee, or Sanibel, for seeing what the birds or squirrels were doing outside. They were also often used to satisfy any passing curiosity or to answer the question, “well what’s going on over there?” If you checked the pantry, you could always find Original Ruffles potato chips, a box of Pop-Tarts (usually with only one pastry missing from a two pack), a jar of mayonnaise (a condiment Marshall firmly believed could go with anything), and a two-liter of Diet Coke. As mundane as these things may appear, they were constant reminders of the man who was the cornerstone of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Marshall’s honor to one of the organizations and causes that held a special place in his heart:

● Wawasee Area Conservation Foundation, an organization that protects and enhances the Wawasee Area Watershed for future generations. With over 1000 acres and 10 miles of shoreline preserved, WACF restores wetlands, controls erosion, and improves water quality. Supported by grants and community partners, WACF ensures clean water and a thriving ecosystem for years to come.

● The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), the dedicated Friends of the Refuge organization, empowers the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex through independent funding that advances conservation, education, research, and advocacy.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team of caregivers, or as Marshall called them, “his babysitters,” who filled his home with kindness, laughter, and comfort over the last few years.

A celebration of Marshall’s life will be held to honor him and the indescribable impact he leaves on those who knew and loved him. The service will be held in the Gothic Chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN on September 19, 2026 at 2:00pm.