Hubert Olin Marsh

MARSH, Hubert Olin "Bert" was born at home October 16, 1938 in Cambria, Indiana to parents Lawrence Theodore and Olive Mae Marsh and passed peacefully at Hospice House Spokane March 10, 2017 at the age of 78. He lived his entire childhood on the family farm just outside Frankfort, Indiana. He loved his beagle hounds and told nostalgic stories of hunting racoons and rabbits and of fishing on the banks of Kilmore Creek. He considered himself an Indiana Boy and that never changed. He was a Hoosier through and through, always rooting for the Indiana teams, and was a hometown fan of the Mariners, Seahawks, and Gonzaga men's basketball team, keeping tabs right to the end on their advancement through the tournament on their way to the dance. Bert graduated from Frankfort High in 1957 and enlisted in the USAF the following year where he was trained as a helicopter mechanic serving two tours during the Vietnam War. During his 20 years of service in the USAF he was stationed at McChord AFB Washington, Reese AFB New Mexico, Elmendorf AFB Alaska, Mountain Home AFB Idaho, and retired SMSGT, serving as the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of Maintenance for the 48th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Fairchild AFB Washington. Bert married Vera Lee Larsen in 1959, they were married 14 years and had four children. He married Audrey Jean Nelson in 1975 having a combined family of nine children. Bert was a fun-loving guy, always the life of the party, ran a tight ship, and his troops were deeply loyal; some became life-long friends. The military life had its challenges but Bert always found the time to hunt, fish, boat, waterski, snowmobile, and spend time with friends and family. He enjoyed tending his 1/4 acre vegetable garden and working on small engines in his shop. After retirement from the military he and his wife Audrey purchased an outdoor power equipment business in Spokane that ran successfully for eleven years. He then returned to Fairchild AFB as a contract helicopter maintenance manager for the survival unit for seven years before his final retirement. Bert was truly a master mechanic, there was 'nere an engine he couldn't repair earning the nickname Bert Macgyver. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Olive Marsh, wife Audrey; two half-brothers LaVerne Marsh (Helen) and Lawrence Marsh (Sue); and one sister Ina Mae Benge (Charles); stepsons Dale Nelson and Maury Nelson. He is survived by one sister Cecilia Purciful (James); stepsons Randy Nelson (Charlene) and Larry Nelson (Penny) and daughter-in-law Mikki Nelson; daughters Sara Green (Robert) and Terri Cooper (Ken); sons Bert Marsh and Lawrence Marsh (Amy); and stepdaughter Gerrilyn Johnson (Randy) along with nine nieces and nephews, 26 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all that loved and knew him. Bert would want you to know that he believed that God had spared his life many times to ensure his eternal security and is thankful for the faithful prayers of his mother and wife Audrey that softened a proud heart to accept Jesus as his Savior later in life. His favorite scripture verse was Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (NIV). Amen. A military Burial service will be held Friday, March 17, 2017 at 2:15pm at the Medical Lake Veterans Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake. There will be a Viewing that morning from 10:00am - Noon at Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 W. 1st St., Cheney . In lieu of flowers, suggested donations may be made to Hospice House of Spokane https://www.hospiceofspokane.org . Northwest Teen Challenge http://www.teenchallengepnw.com/spokane_mens or to your local VFW.

Hubert Olin Marsh

October 16, 1938 - March 10, 2017