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Harold R. “Dick” Marsh, 81, of Philippi, went to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, while surrounded by family. He was born April 26, 1929, to the late Loyal Aubrey Marsh and the late Dottie Beatrice (Hershman) Marsh. Dick is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kathleen Shrader Marsh, and her son Gerry London. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Bostiz Marsh, and is survived by his four children from this union, Valerie Lacaria (husband Anthony), Tammy Cross, Laurie Austin (husband Bruce), and Duane Marsh. surviving are Dick’s grandchildren, Joshua Lacaria (wife Jennifer and daughters Eva and Raelin), Daniel Lacaria (wife Valerie and son Battista), Anthony Lacaria (wife Katrina), Emily Cross, Thomas Austin, and Jesse Austin. Also surviving is Mr. Marsh’s only sister, Dottie Marsh Andre, her husband Bob, their children, Bob Andre (wife Suzanne), and Michelle Krieger (husband Bill and Daughters Mallory and Maggie. Dick loved nothing more than being with family and friends, and worked diligently as a volunteer for Crosses Across America, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, maintain, and construct crosses across America. He talked to everyone he met about the three crosses and was famous for asking, “What does the cross mean to you?” Dick was an active member of Tacy Crossroads United Methodist Church and United Methodist Men. Prior to moving to Philippi in 1978, he had been a member of the Bridgeport Baptist Church where he served many years as a deacon. Mr. Marsh was a 1948 graduate of Bridgeport High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He retired from C and W Coal Company is 1992 after working all his life in surface mining and reclamation. Dick participated in activities with the Cancer Support Group of Barbour County and the local Senior Citizen’s Center. He was a member of the Late Lodge No. 63 AF and AM, Bridgeport, W.Va., since 1956. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 20 from the Cross Roads United Methodist Church, Tacy. The Rev. Bill Smith will officiate and interment will follow in the Marsh Graveyard. Friends may call the funeral home from 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Saturday and from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Sunday, when Mr. Marsh will be taken to the church to lie in state from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. the service hour. Memorial donations may be made to Crosses Across America, 3300 Indiana Avenue, Suite C, Vicksburg, MS 39180. You may also contact Sara S. Abraham, Executive Director, to find out how you can help with “Crosses Across America”. Stemple and Forman Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
