Marshall Neuman Samms

MARSHALL NEUMAN SAMMS, 92, went to live with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 22nd.

Preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie, his parents, Virgil and Margaret Samms, his brother, William Samms, and his sister, Mary Ann Abdon. Survived by his three children, Carole Kleinknecht (Glen) of New York City, Bonnie Bolyard (Fred) of Roanoke, VA, Thomas Marshall Samms (Lois) of Dublin, OH, seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Marshall was born in Boise, ID. He graduated from Shortridge H.S. in 1941 and attended Indiana University before joining the Army Air Corps in February 1943. He trained as a B-24 navigator and flew 37 bombing missions before being shot down, captured and imprisoned in Rumania. Upon release back to the States, he married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie, and continued serving as a flight instructor until the war ended.

He completed his education at Butler University and joined his father-in-law in the bedding business with Powers & Pittenger. In 1970 he earned his CPA, and with long-time musician friend Gordon Wilson began an accounting firm now known as Blue & Co., one of the largest accounting firms in the state. He retired from the firm in 1989. Marshall was a well-known musician, playing trumpet in dance bands at the Indianapolis Athletic Club and the Indiana Roof Ballroom with Dick Pierce, Louie Lowe, and Doc Thrasher, before buying Doc’s band along with pianist Phil Leamon, forming the Phil-Marshall Orchestra. He led the band for 20 years, playing at popular venues around the city and state. He also played in the Scottish Rite Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. Marshall and Marj enjoyed jazz festivals around the country and took jazz cruises all over the world.

Marshall loved golf and was a long-time member of Meridian Hills CC. He was active til the end with weekly Bible studies, Christian Business Men’s Connection, the Service Club, the Jazz Club of Indianapolis, and other service organizations. He was a member of Fairview Presbyterian Church for many years before joining Faith Church.

Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m. March 31st at Flanner and Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 E. Broad Ripple Ave, and 11-12:45 p.m. April 1st at Faith Church, 9125 N. College Ave., with a service at 1:00 p.m. and burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to CBMC or Indy Honor Flight.