My Dad

In the midst of a pool party with 10 young children in my backyard, I received the very difficult phone call that my dad was dying. Though I knew all morning that it would be coming soon, it was still a shock. I am forever thankful for my best friends who were so understanding as I left them in my house with Ryan and Elizabeth so I could be with my mom and sisters at his bedside. If you know anything about me, you probably know how close I am to my family, so you'll understand why it was so important to us that we all be there when he died. It was very peaceful and a very precious moment in my life. Though we are all saddened by his death, we are comforted in the knowledge that he is in a better place and his body is finally healed. We know he is in heaven and we'll be with him again one day.

I don't really know what I'll miss the most about him. But I know I miss his comforting presence, his wonderful sense of humor, and how much fun we had together as a family. It saddens me that my children never really knew him, as Andy was only 14 months when he had his stroke and the others born after that. But I know I have many memories to share with them. I don't really know what else to say, so here's the obituary from the paper.

Richard " Bud" Marshall, 67, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 16th, 2009. He died 5 years to the day after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. He was born in Carthage, Texas on September 12, 1941 to Charles and Laura Marshall, who preceded him in death. He attended Baylor University and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1965, where he won a Championship under the leadership of Coach Vince Lombardi. He went on to play with other NFL teams, including the Houston Oilers.

Bud is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Morgan Marshall, his daughters, Jennifer Marshall Milholland and husband Bob, Kelly Marshall Cook and husband Lance, Kim Marshall Baggett and husband Jeff, and Lisa Marshall Graham and husband Kyle. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Marshall of Carthage, Texas. He took great pride in his 14 grandchildren: Kaytlin, Kathryn, Melaina, Morgan, Ben, Jackson, Andy, Claire, Colin, Micah, Elizabeth, Ryan, Shane and Sarah.

The family will receive visitors at Rosewood Funeral Home on Friday. July 17, 2009 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 10:00 am at Rosewood Funeral Home, 3939 Pasadena Blvd., with interment to follow at Forest Park Lawndale. Dr. Charles Redmond will officiate.

A special thank you to the staff at San Jacinto Manor for the continuous devotion and care that they showed to Mr. Marshall and his family over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the building fund for First Baptist Church 7500 Fairmont Pkwy. Pasadena, TX 77505 or online at www. fbp.org. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewood.cc. under current services.