Earl Thomas Marshall Sr., Retired Army Sergeant Major, age 88, longtime resident of Rindge, NH, passed from this life on October 22, 2026, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, with his family by his side, following a period of declining health.

Earl was born in Rustburg, Virginia, on June 15, 1938, to Duak and Sallie (Harvey) Marshall. Earl enlisted in the United States Army in February of 1962, in Philadelphia, PA.

He married his forever “Wifey” and his “Doll,” Ottoway H. Dawson on May 1st, 1965, in Baltimore, Maryland and together they shared 61 years of marriage. They built a life filled with love, dedication, and cherished memories, raising a family and creating a home that was the foundation of their lives together.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army for twenty-six years, working hard to attain rank of Sergeant Major before his retirement. He earned numerous awards, decorations, ribbons, and badges in recognition of his courage, dedication, leadership, and honorable service, and include the Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; the Meritorious Unit Commendation; the Army Good Conduct Medal with eight awards; the Army of Occupation Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal; the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; the Army Service Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon with three awards; two Overseas Service Bars; the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with five awards; the Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16); and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar. Throughout his distinguished military career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to the soldiers under his charge.

Earl was also deeply committed to his community, following his retirement from the Army, he continued to serve his fellow veterans. He was a life member of the Jaffrey American Legion and served as a judge advocate for the John Humiston American Legion Post 11 in Jaffrey. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Townsend, Massachusetts. These organizations reflected his continued dedication to his fellow service members and the values of service, fellowship, and patriotism.

Earl Sr. had a way of encouraging others, offering kind words, sharing his wisdom, and reminding those around him to believe in themselves and never give up. Earl lived by the words, “If you want to get something back, you must work and put forth effort.” These words reflected the way he lived his life, believing that hard work, determination, and effort were the foundation of achievement.

He was a true handyman who could fix just about anything. Whether it was carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or general household maintenance, he was always ready to tackle a project and find a solution. He took pride in working with his hands and had a natural ability to repair, build, and keep things running smoothly.

Faith, church, and community were important parts of Earl's life. A deeply religious man, he made his church the New Patriot’s Christian Congregation in Fitchburg a priority and devoted his time and service to its congregation, including serving as church treasurer. His faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life.

In addition to both parents, he was predeceased by his beloved son, Randy Marshall, three siblings, Arnstead Marshall, Edward (Sonny) Marshall, and Ethel Helms. His aunt Gracie Harvey, a niece Shirley Marshall, and nephew James Marshall.

Earl will be forever remembered by his beloved wife of 61 years, Ottoway H. Marshall of Rindge, a son, Earl T. Marshall Jr., of Rindge, a sister, Lillian Ross, of Philadelphia, PA, his three cherished grandchildren, Ashley Marshall, Dominique Marshall, and Jasmine Marshall, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind numerous comrades, friends, and extended family members whose lives he touched throughout his years of military service and beyond.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. His funeral service will begin at 12:00pm at Cournoyer Funeral Home. 

Burial with full military honors will take place immediately following his service at Hillside Cemetery, Goddard Rd., Rindge, NH. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earl Sr’s honor to one of the organizations he was devoted: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6538, 491A Main St., West Townsend, MA, 01474, or New Patriot’s Christian Congregation, 10 Wachusett St., Fitchburg, MA, 01420, or American Legion Post 11, 20 Webster St, Jaffrey, NH, 03452.