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Wilford Duane Marsh Sr. born Jan. 16, 1929, in the Glade Run area of Barbour County, the son of Creed and Lelah Marsh.
Following the untimely death of his father, Mr. Marsh left school and went to work at an early age running a crosscut saw or "misery whip", cutting timber to support his family. When the road crews came to the area, he got a job with Kelly Construction as a dozer operator from 1947 until 1952. At this time, he followed a call to duty by taking his dozer operator skills to the US Army, serving his country in the Engineering Division during the rebuilding efforts in Germany following WW2, transitioning from active duty to the US Army Reserves on Dec. 26, 1953.
He remained a member of the Reserve Engineers doing work in parks, bridge construction and flood clean-up as duty called until achieving an honorable discharge Jan. 21, 1960, completing eight years of service
Despite being a farmer most of his life, Wilford held down jobs in the timber, stone and coal industries. His favorite tales came from his days of cutting timber and crushing stone on Pifer Mountain laying the base for what is now Rt. 38. Once the work on the mountain was completed, he went to work at Aggregates Inc. in Crystal Springs for several years until the final phase of his career working as a mechanic in the rebuild shop at Island Creek Coal Company's North Branch mine in Bayard until his retirement.
A hard worker, Mr. Marsh had little time for hobbies until later in life when he took the time to enjoy trout fishing and hunting, especially turkey hunting. Despite the hard work involved, all who knew him would say that caring for his beautiful Valley Furnace farm was his hobby as well as his passion.
While known mostly for his solid values and work ethic, Mr. Marsh was a very private philanthropist. His anonymous good deeds and giving have made a difference to several individuals and entities around the community.
Surviving are children, Judy Boylen, Wilford Marsh Jr. and wife, Eleanor, Tom Marsh and Melinda Strait and husband, David; sister, Clara Nestor; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Marsh was preceded in death by daughter, Vivian Marsh; sisters Martha Ball, Glenna Ball, Idola Price and Betty Jones; and infant brother, Billy Marsh.
While in declining health for several years, his mind and love for his family remained sharp until the end. He departed this life with the respect of all who knew him and the peace of knowing his Savior Jesus Christ.
Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory, 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi, on Thursday June 27, from 6-8 p.m. and on Friday, June 28, from noon to 1 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted from the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m., with Pastor Lowell Moore officiating.
Interment will follow in the Tacy Crossroads Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com.