We are sad to announce the death of Walt Marshall. He lost his battle with melanoma at home on August 30, 2019. He was born October 31, 1940 in Floydada, Texas to Walter and Louester Marshall. He grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He developed a love for travel and adventure. In 1960 he joined the US Navy and served in Vietnam. Walt married Dolores (Hecox) July 21, 1963.
He had a brilliant mind and earned degrees in both Math and Electrical Engineering from UW. He worked for National Marine Fisheries in Seattle and then for Aramco in Saudi Arabia. He traveled the world visiting many places: Kenya, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Ecuador, Europe, and Asia. His many interests included camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, motorcycles, dogs (Flyball) and woodworking, but his biggest passion was amateur radio. He received his amateur radio license in 1955 at the age of 15. His call signs were K5BFR and W7SE. He made friends all over the world, participated in contests and expeditions, and in 2019 won 8th in the world in 160-meter international low power contest. He was a master of Morse code and was able to transmit and decipher up to 40 words per minute. Morse code was truly his second language.
Walt could be the life of the party and was very witty. He never forgot a joke and loved to entertain friends with humor. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; 3 daughters, Lori, Louise, and Lily; 5 grandchildren; brother, Ken and sister, Lynn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eppson Senior Century (1560 N. 3rd Street) Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 1-4 p.m.
Donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Laramie or a charity of your choice.
Delores and Family, I am sorry for your loss. Walt was truly a unique and wonderful person. I always enjoyed his tales from around the world and he was always quick with a smile. I will be greatly missed by anyone that had the pleasure to know him.
Dolores, sorry for your loss. I remember the times spent at you house putting up one of Walt's many towers and having a place to stay when I was in town. Walt will truly be missed.
We were saddened to hear of Walt's passing. We got to know Walt and Delores via the Amateur Radio Club in Laramie. Walt was such a good friend in helping us get our equipment ready and spending several weekends with us helping put together the multi-band antenna so we could get on the air. The four years we knew him, he was a delight and brought joy to our family. Always enjoyed his company and he was always positive about everything. We will miss him. We send our love to his wonderful wife, Delores, and to all of his family.
Dear Delores and Family, I have read the obit in the web site and am going to sign this book. I am so glad that Walt got to be with us at the 60th reunion of our high school class. I also feel this was a God thing - God allowed him to come to Lubbock to visit with all of his high school friends and to have a good time. Then God decided it was time for Walt to come home. I am thinking of you all and remembering you in my prayers. I remember that year maybe it was at our 50th reunion not sure now but you all came in your motor home and Walt brought his dogs with him. I remember he had a beautiful Australian Shepherd and if I recall he played fly ball with that dog. I remember that Cary Hobbs also plays fly ball with some of his dogs. My Blue Merle Aussie died in her sleep in 2018 and now I have a new girl named Keona's Little Miss Sunshine aka Olive. She is a red tri. I believe Skye sent Olive to me. Prayers and hugs, Linda and Olive
Walter Marshall was truly a great guy, an absolute gentleman. I was privileged to be his date for our senior prom at Monterey High School in Lubbock. Over the years I got to know his wonderful wife, Dolores, and was so thankful for a visit to their home in Laramie. Walt and Dolores were at all of our reunions, and even one of the mini-reunions that was in Denver. Having Dolores and Walt at our 60th reunion in Lubbock in July was a very pleasant surprise and terrific time. I was fascinated with his intelligence, wry wit, stories of his radio conversations and demonstrations of his dogs' fly ball skills. So very thankful for the friendship and decades of memories with this great couple. Much love to Dolores and their daughters and families. My heart is with you. Ann Dale MHS 59
Sending all of my love to Dolores and the rest of Walt's family. He was a fantastic person, flyball teammate, and friend.
Although I never met Walt in person, I had the joy of talking with him on the radio more than once. What a fascinating and fun guy! Thank you for sharing him with us and his radio hobby. 73
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Walt; I got to know Walt in the years we spent together with our dogs in Flyball. One of the most positive, happy people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When it came to Flyball, it was all about the dogs and making sure they had a great time. Walt was so encouraging to dogs and owners alike, at practice every Sunday and the biggest fan of everyone when we traveled for tournaments. He got to know all the dogs and teams and made many lifelong friends. My Boomer absolutely loved Walt and so did I; he made Flyball one of the most memorable things I've ever participated in. Even after our club dissolved, he continued to travel to Colorado to be part of a club there. Walt always stopped by my office at the Court House anytime he was at the Court House for other business; inquiring not only about Boomer and in the last couple years Skeeter, but my Mom and Dad as well; what a kind, special person......I will miss Walt and his very infectious smile and laugh. Rest in Peace my friend; I'm sure you've already been to the Rainbow Bridge to greet all your four legged friends.