William Jr

William M. Marshall Jr., 89, passed away at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at his home.  Born March 20, 1927 in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of William M. Marshall Sr. and Elizabeth (Hendron) Marshall.  A WWII Navy veteran, he worked as an engineer for Union Electric.  He retired from UE as Assistant Superintendent-Gas Operations after 40 years of service.  On November 24, 1951 he married Evelyn Thompson.  They went on to build a family and enjoyed a full and happy life with 60 years together before Evelyn’s passing in 2011.  Bill was an active member of the Exchange Club of Alton for over 50 years, giving of his time and energy to help his community with projects such as “Give a Kid a Flag to Wave” on Memorial Day, The Freedom Shrine at Gordon Moore Park, the yearly holiday party at Thelma’s Terrace and various fundraising for area non-profit organizations.  Surviving are his children, Sharon Zitzman, Michael (Judi), Robert, Susan Rago, Kathleen, Brian (Amy); 13 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, and three sisters, Jane Marshall, Audrey Lopez and Mary Lopez.  Along with his parents and wife he was preceded in death by daughters, Patricia and Debra and his great granddaughter, Hanah, a sister, Rita Collier and a brother, Vincent Lopez.  Visitation will be from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home before processing to St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey for an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian burial.  Father Steve Pohlman will officiate.  Full Military honors will be conducted at the church by the Tri-County Honor Guard.  Burial will be private at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Exchange Club “Child Abuse Prevention Program.”  Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com