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Marshall was born at Mena , Arkansas. After living several years in Texas his parents, Freddie A. and Wynona Brannan Davis, and two sisters, Betsy and Judy, moved to Grand. Junction, Colorado in 1957. After attending Clifton schools, he graduated from Central High School in 1967. Marshall was a member of the Clifton Christian Church, and a active member of the Civil Air Patrol. He also participated in the local parachute club where he completed 10 jumps. From an early age he loved anything pertaining to flying. At the age of sixteen he took flight training from Monarch Aviation at Walker Field and received his private pilots license. He attended Northwest Community College at Rangely and served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
After spending sometime working at Western Slope Welding Supply, Marshall decided to pursue his life long dream. Attending Emery Aviation at Greeley, CO he was certified as a flight instructor for helicopters, and had commercial ratings in helicopters and airplanes, and an instrument rating in airplanes.
Marshall married Sherry Rae Eversol at Palisade, CO in 1975. He was the father of two sons, Brannan and Chad, a daughter, Desirae, and a stepson Ari. He loved his family and enjoyed being a husband and "daddy". There was a special closeness with his wife and children. During this time, Marshall organized the outdoor ministry at the Palisade Christian Church and led the camping and backpacking trips for several years.
This area was always "home" to Marshall and his family, even though finding work led them to other places. Marshall flew for several helicopter companies in Texas:
Hilco Aviation, Odessa C&W Nipple up Service, Kermit American Helicopters, San Angelo
He flew for Wasatch Helicopters at Bountiful, Utah. Also Grand Canyon Helicopters at the Grand Canyon, AZ.
At the time of his death on Dec. 3rd, 1986, Marshall was a pilot for Lifeguard Medical Helicopter Transport at Pendleton, Oregon. Returning from Portland after transporting a patient, with a nurse and paramedic on board, the helicopter crashed in the darkness of fog, just a few miles from Pendleton. There were no survivors.
Marshall had a gift for seeing beauty, and an eagerness for life. So many things he wanted to see, do, and learn about. He had remarked that life could never be long enough to do all he things he wanted to do! The out doors provided hours of enjoyment for him and his family. Backpacking, camping, and photography were his favorite activities. Marshall is remembered by those who knew him as quiet, hardworking, Christian man, an outstanding pilot, with passion for life, and the ability to give of himself and his talents unselfishly. His concern and caring for others was demonstrated wherever he was living or working. He is greatly missed.
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