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John Harold Marsh, 88, formerly of Marble, Arkansas, died December 5, 2012 at McKinney, Texas. Harold was born in New Orleans, LA on August 11, 1924 to Thomas Cade and Harriett Rabalais Marsh. He was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Marsh of Little Rock, AR and is survived by a brother, James B. Marsh of Colmesneil, TX and a sister, Eva Dupre of Eldorado, TX. After graduating high school in Houston, Harold enlisted in the Army and served in Patton's First Armored Division ("Old Ironsides") in North Africa, Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany. He was wounded twice and was the only survivor five separate times as his tanks were destroyed by German armor piercing shells. Harold received a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and a Bronze Star with V for valor and heroism. During the war, Harold proposed by V-mail to Rose Blair and they were married immediately upon his return from Europe. Rose preceded him in death on September 10, 1999 after nearly 54 years of marriage. Harold is survived by their five children: John (Michelle) Marsh of Huntsville, AR, Jan (Randy) Rothrock of Spring, TX, Peggy (Boyd) Armstrong of Wall, TX, Kaye (Jerry) Doll of Marble, AR and Cherri (Paul) Hodges of McKinney, TX. He has 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and was "Uncle Harold" to 23 nieces and nephews. Harold came to know Christ early in their marriage, led by the faithful testimony of Rose's life. Their family life was centered at Broadway Baptist Church of Houston where Harold served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He proudly served as trustee at Broadway Baptist School, a pioneer in Christian education in the 1960s. Harold and Rose cherished a host of lifelong friends from their 35 years in Houston. Harold, known as "Swampy" to his friends at work, retired from Shell Chemical Company in Deer Park,TX in 1981. He and Rose moved to Marble, AR to farm and enjoy the Ozarks with their son, John and daughter, Kaye. Harold was a member of First Baptist Church and later Calvary Baptist Church in Huntsville. He also enjoyed several years of teaching adult Sunday School at Marble United Baptist Church. Harold married Shirley Dobbs of Huntsville in May, 2001. They enjoyed get-togethers with friends and neighbors in Marble until Harold became stricken by Alzheimers Disease. Harold is survived by his wife, Shirley Dobbs Marsh. Harold was a kind, gentle, hardworking, self-sacrificing, and well-loved husband, father and friend. We knew him to be a great man. Private family graveside services will be held at 11:00 A. M. Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the Alabam Cemetery with The Reverend Brandon Brasel officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home www.brashearsfuneralhome.net of Huntsville, Arkansas. The family will receive friends from 5:30 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Restoration Gateway, an orphanage ministry in Northern Uganda, 4300 Waco Drive B2-314, Waco, Texas 76710.

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Harold Marsh

August 11, 1924 - December 5, 2012