of Russellville, AR
July 30, 1942 - January 25, 2024
Robert Curtis Marsh, Jr., 81, a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Clarksville, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at his home. He was born July 30, 1942 in Russellville, Arkansas to the late Robert and Edna Marsh. On January 25, 1967, he married the love of his life, Myrtle Willis-Marsh.
Robert was a 1960 graduate of L.W. Sullivan High School in Morrilton, Arkansas where he played varsity basketball. After high school, Robert continued his education by earning degrees in auto body and repair at Arkansas Valley Vo-Tech in Ozark, Arkansas. He also attended American Business College in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Robert spent his working years in various roles including serving as a delivery person for Lemley Drug in Russellville, Arkansas and worked as an apprentice plumber with Brockman Plumbing in Russellville, Arkansas.
From 1962 until 1971 Robert served his country in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy, Robert was stationed in several ports of call including the Mediterranean and the Virgin Islands. Along with these ports he and Myrtle also lived in Jacksonville, Florida (Mayport), Charleston, South Carolina, Washington D.C. and Norfolk, Virginia. Upon being discharged from his military service, Robert went on to work with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department as a storeroom supervisor until his retirement in 1999.
Robert was known for there being nothing he could not repair. Robert proved this talent over the years in numerous ways including building and opening his own autobody shop, building two homes with his own hands including their present home as well as being a great cook and housekeeper. He was a devout member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Robert was deeply devoted to his family. If there was an award for Father Of The Year he would win, hands down.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, Wallace Marsh; his best childhood friend, Raymond Jackson and a great nephew, Taric.
Survivors include his wife, Myrtle (Myrt) Willis-Marsh; two daughters, RoxAnne Marsh of Clarksville, Arkansas and Amy Beth Graham of North Little Rock, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Robert Mekhi Burnett, Jaylen Graham and Tybirius Vaughn; a nephew, Eric Stanley ''Stan'' Marsh and wife, Stephanie and two nieces, Marquita Marsh of Russellville, Arkansas and Valerie Marsh Whitman of Phoenix, Arizona. In addition Robert leaves behind a special childhood friend, Mamie Joe (Jackson) Franklin and Frank of Las Vegas, Nevada; a special cousin, Eloise Hill of Florissant, Missouri; along with several special cousins of Russellville and Dardanelle, Arkansas; four great nephews; two great nieces and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Pallbearers will be Andy May, Robert Burnett, Jimmy Marsh, Jimmy Nichols Jr., David Ross & Richard Peevy.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Heather O'Neal with the Fort Smith VA Outpatient Clinic, Mercy Hospital including all the doctors and nurses on station 3500 along with other floors. Additionally, Robert's family thanks Dr. Runa Shrestha of Mercy Oncology Clinic as well as Mercy Hospice.
Memorials may be made to Mercy Health Foundation, 2901 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903 or UAMS Foundation, 4301 West Markham Street #716, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
A funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2024 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Oakland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Marvin Vinson Center until 4pm.
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23 Condolence(s)
Herman Houston
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
To Myrt, Roxanne and Amy, my deepest sympathy to the Marsh family. It was great pleasure to know all of your family and the many memories that go back from my years in the grocery store and being involved in the community. Roxanne I let Scott know and he passes on his prayers for your family. Robert was a great family person and all of you have been very blessed in your lives.
I cherish your friendship.
Johnson County Judge Herman Houston
Geraldine Nichols
Monday, January 29, 2024
I offer my Most Sincere Condolences to Marquetta, Valerie, Stan and The Entire Marsh Family, at time. The loss of your Uncle and relative to many. Hoping that Peace and Understanding will come in time for you. Do Not let go of your Faith. Because Faith will get you through whatever you have to face.
Hope Peace Love Always
Marilyn Austin
Monday, January 29, 2024
Sending my sincere condolences to Myrt and the family. Dune as I grew up knowing him was always a nice man to me and my siblings. His Mom and my mother (Christine) were like sisters instead of friends so we would see Dune on occasion when he came to town. He and Myrt were always nice. I say to the family keep TRUSTING GOD in the days ahead. He is the source of our strength. Blessings. Marilyn Foster Austin
Lanitera Egziabher
Monday, January 29, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you the marsh family. I pray that God wraps his arms around all of you and helps you get through this difficult time. You have all our families love emperors. My deepest condolences may God bless you all.
Lanitera Egziabher
Monday, January 29, 2024
Our deepest sympathy in love goes out to all of you. I hope and I pray that God wraps his arms around all of you and gives you the strength faith and courage to get through this sad time. You will all be in my thoughts and my prayers and I pray that God continues to lift you all up may God bless you all you have my deepest sympathy and I'm so sorry again for your loss
Billie Johnston (Ray Johnston family)
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time .
May God comfort you with His love and guidance.
Mary Peevy johnson
Sunday, January 28, 2024
My cousin was a very good friend to my father. When ever he came to to visit Aunt Enda he made sure he stop to visit His old friend Buck. He will be miss cause he always shows up
marcus kindrix
Sunday, January 28, 2024
To my childhood friend RoxAnne, I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Marsh was a great role model for Mekhi and clearly a man among men. God bless you during this time. I pray for comfort and peace for you and Amy during this time. I love Mekhi with all of my heart and will be here for him as long as God allows me to live on this earth.
Vicky Willis
Sunday, January 28, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the family. I can’t be there but I’m with you and praying for your strength. Love your cousin Vicky. May my uncle rest in peace.
Jill Felkins
Saturday, January 27, 2024
I was sad when I saw the news as I know you were so close to your Dad. He must have been a fine man to raise such an astounding daughter. I hope you find peace in the love and light that your Lord brings you in your sad times.
Fanni Timmons
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Sending my condolences and prayers and hugs to the Family if you need anything plz let me know ...God Bless you all
John towler
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Sorry for your loss prayers for you all
Samantha Good
Saturday, January 27, 2024
My condolences to you all. Love and prayers
Sam
Cody Heidelberg
Saturday, January 27, 2024
My mom and I condolences are with you at this time. We are sorry for your loss
BRENDA Harris
Saturday, January 27, 2024
My sincere sympathy for the Marsh family....such a very difficult time for Myrt and the girls...may God bless and strengthen you all.
Sarah Leggett
Friday, January 26, 2024
I am deeply sorry for your families loss.
Shirley Daniels
Friday, January 26, 2024
May the days to come bring you peace and love knowing how much Robert loved you Myrtle and all of his family. He was a very gentle and kind man. I remember getting acquainted with him when you and I worked at Ozark and shared rides. There's never been a better man. RIP Robert.
Chad&Alcina Jones
Friday, January 26, 2024
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Audra tasco
Friday, January 26, 2024
Our most sincerest condolences to the Marsh family. My family is lifting you all up in prayer. God bless and comfort you all. All our love
carol marsh
Friday, January 26, 2024
He will truly be missed and loved by the Marsh Family.
Shene Miller-Roberts
Friday, January 26, 2024
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the Marsh family. Mr Marsh was a great role model. You all are like my second family. (Myrt, Roxanne, Amy and extended family) We love you.
You will be missed Mr.Marsh. RIL
Rodney Johnston
Friday, January 26, 2024
I have fond memories of Robert and Dad (Earl Johnston) partaking in their banter. You will be certainly missed Robert! To Myrtle, Roxanne, and Amy along with the entire Family, please accept my sincerest condolences. REST IN LOVE ROBERT!
Carl Sr & Bonita Johnson