Thanks Hal. I appreciate the kind words on this day. His funeral is this afternoon. Happy Easter my friend! If you are a veteran & reading this, we’ve lost a brother!!
John served his country as a Sentinel, considered the elite of the elite of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery (1951 to 1954). In addition to his post at the Tomb, he participated in military funerals, parades and White House detail. After his discharge from the military, John became the youngest Commander of the John Brawley Post 20 of the American Legion in Charleston. Later, John was one of the founders and first Company Commander of the American Legion in Winfield, James E. Marshall Post 187, named in memory of his brother who was killed in the
Korean War and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and
Purple Heart.
John entered the insurance industry in 1955, forming John Marshall Insurance Agency. He was a founding partner of Insurance Exchange Inc. in St. Albans. He was the last President of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of WV and served as the first Past President of what is now known as the Independent Insurance Agents Association of WV.
John was a member of the Winfield Presbyterian Church. He was a founding member of the Putnam County Businessmen's Association, which later incorporated into the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. He was co-founder of the Rock Branch Community Bank. He served on the Board of Directors at Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital. John also served in many additional roles with various Church and civic organizations.
. I guess it's good I don't have kids
