Mr. Robert "Bob" Pierce Marsh, 100, died peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at Kline Hospice House in Mt. Airy, Md. For the past 2 ½ years, Bob resided at Blossom Place, an assisted living facility at Edenton Retirement Community and prior to that resided on Schley Avenue for 50 years. Born August 28, 1913 in Frederick, he was the son of Alonzo Pierce and Martha Wilcoxen Walling Marsh.He was the husband of the late Lavenia Hargett Marsh. They had celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary 3 years ago.He was also preceded in death by his two brothers Ralph Windsor and Franklin Freemont Marsh. Being born and growing up in downtown Frederick, he had so many memories of that day and age; living without electricity, they used kerosene lights and a large pot-belly stove for heat; he and his 2 brothers sleeping in the same bed;playing baseball in the streets;watching "steam shovels" digging the foundation of the Francis Key Hotel; the swinging bridge when it was located on Bentz Street,taking the trolley to work from Frederick to Middletown, and so many others.Bob's family history is also deep in Frederick. His grandfather, Alonzo Marsh Sr. was one of the best known residents of Frederick where in the late 1800's he owned and operated the Court Street Restaurant, one of the best eating houses in this part of the state. His Uncle Joe Walling joined the United Fire Company at the age of 16 in 1869 and is best remembered for his five transcontinental journeys. Bob started his career working in the accounting department for the Blue Ridge Bus Lines and continued with Potomac Edison Company for 41 years. He was a lifelong member of Evangelical Reformed Church, UCC serving as both an Elder and Deacon. He served on the search committee for the hiring of Rev. Althouse and Rev. Wenner. He was a past PTA President at Parkway Elementary, a member of DeMolay and served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill. Bob's most cherished accomplishment was being responsible for the establishment of Rosedale Park and the Rosedale Civic Association on Schley Avenue in 1951, providing much needed space for the children on the west end of town. Bob is survived by three children; Linda Marsh, Robert R. Marsh Sr. and wife Suzanne of Frederick, Janet Johnson and husband Ronald of North Carolina; 9 grandchildren: Breanne Marsh, Craig Marsh and wife Tara, Aaron Marsh and wife Jennifer, Molly Marsh Riley and husband Thomas, Stephanie Marsh Bindel and husband Kevin, all of Frederick and Robert R. Marsh, Jr. and wife Michelle of Florida; Christina Johnson and husband James, Aimee Jones and husband Wesley and Suzanne Arden, all of North Carolina and 15 great-grandchildren. A service of celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Evangelical Reformed Church located at 15 W. Church Street, Frederick. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 am in the lower level social room of the church, with the service beginning at 12 pm in the Church Sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Pastor of Evangelical Reformed Church, UCC will officiate. A reception will follow immediately after the service in the social room of the Church. Private graveside services for the immediate family will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Robert's name to Community Living at 620-B Research Court Frederick, MD.21703 or Evangelical Reformed Church - UCC at 15 W. Church St., Frederick, MD. 21701. Arrangements by Keeney & Basford Funeral Home; online condolences may be shared at KeeneyBasford.com.
