Dale Morris Marshall

Dale Marshall, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 25, with family members by his side.

Dale graduated from Nestucca High School in 1951, and married Mary Sowle in 1952. They had four children and divorced in 1977. Dale married Barbara Fischer in 1979.

Dale was an active member of Crossroads Community Church for over 60 years. He believed in hard work, honesty and the value of a man’s word. Dale was a Christian who lived his faith. He had a kind heart, and looked out for the elderly members of his church family and community neighbors whenever he could.

Dale had an entrepreneurial and adventuresome spirit, which was evident in his accomplishments. He developed Hillcrest Mobile Home Park on Bagley Lane and the housing development on Amie Loop in Knappa.

Dale owned Ed’s Septic Service for many years. In 1989, he and Barb moved to Hawaii (which was his dream) and opened a Jet Ski business. After a year, they knew their home was in Knappa, and moved back.

Dale loved to travel. He was a member of the Good Sam RV Club and traveled the country for several years.

Dale enjoyed rebuilding and reselling Isuzu trucks, and was quite famous for being the community “can collector.” He had a regular route where he picked up cans and bottles from friends and family. He would say “a nickel is a nickel,” and would pick them up wherever he saw them, even on local roads.

Dale couldn’t sit still, and when he was 78 he went to work at Safeway for 11 more years, where he was known as the “cart master.” He finally retired at the age of 89.

Dale is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara; his surviving two children, Keith and Susan Marshall; his five stepchildren, David Moody, Cindy Johnson and Donnie, Brad and Brian Vangundy. Dale was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two children, Vicky Knottingham and Kay Westerlund; his stepson, Mike Moody; and his granddaughter, Amie Johnson.

Please join us for a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at Crossroads Community Church, 40618 Old Highway 30 in Svensen.