1929 –2007

Marshall W. Mabry, devoted husband, father and friend, died at home after a long and determined fight with cancer Saturday, April 14, 2007. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 17 the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, with Marshall's nephew, Jim McLeroy, officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 16, at Wilkerson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Marshall was born in Commerce, Texas, Dec. 12, 1929, to Tom and Grace Mabry, cotton farmers. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1947 then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950 from East Texas State College (Texas A&M) Commerce. He married Mary Huffman of Commerce, Texas, July 23, 1950. Marshall taught mathematics and chemistry in the Alice, Texas High School before serving in the Army during the Korean War. Initially drafted into the Infantry. Marshall was shortly commissioned an officer in the Army Chemical Corps. After his tour of active duty, Marshall continued to serve in the National Guard and Army Reserves. Attaining the rank of Colonel, Marshall retired in 1986 with 38 years of service; his final years of uniformed service were with the Army Corps of Engineers. He and Mary moved to Waco in 1955 where he worked for 41 years in the production of solid fuel rocket motors for the defense industry in McGregor. Marshall really was a rocket scientist, as the family liked to joke, having begun his work at the plant as a chemist and retiring as the plant manager when the plant closed in 1995. Marshall continued to work as an independent consultant until January 2006. Marshall attended the Methodist Church and First Baptist Church Woodway after moving to Waco in 1955. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Commerce, Scottish Rite, and Karem Shrine. Amateur ham radio was a long time hobby along with repairing radios, televisions and lawn motors. He could repair just about anything. Marshall was an active member of the Heart of Texas Amateur Radio Club. He was a devoted member of Kiwanis Club of Waco Seniors the last few years of his life. The great loves of Marshall's life were his wife, Mary, his immediate family, and his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He cherished the annual family reunions in west Texas. Survivors include his wife, Mary, of 56 years; children, Michael and wife, Peggy, of Clifton, Sharon and husband, Joe Fontanella, of Springfield, Va., and Vicki and husband, Andy Schwartz, of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren Christopher Mabry and wife, Janet, Corey Mabry, Anne Fontanella and Natalie Fontanella; and great-granddaughter, Makina Lynn Mabry. He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Moore and husband, Henry, of Bryan; and a brother, Dr. Tom Mabry and wife, Helga, of Austin; eight nephews; and four nieces. Pallbearers will be Craig Hester, Mike Hutcheson, Charles Knorr, Chris Mabry, Corey Mabry and Barry Vokes. Honorary pallbearers Jim Anderson, John Chamberlain, Elmer Graesser, Harry Hall, Norman Hay, Carl McIntosh, Gary Miller and Ernie Roberts. The family would like to thank Hillcrest Hospice and Marshall's caregivers these past few months, in particular, Betty "BJ" Henry, Bertha Jenkins and Elena Martinez. The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Shriner's Children Burn Center, or to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.