Funeral services for Jerry Marsh, 80, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Central Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas with Dr. Bill Skaar and Rev. Mike Meadows officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 in the Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

Mr. Marsh was born February 10, 1937 in Livingston, Texas to Luby H. and Eunice Marsh. He was educated in the Livingston public schools, graduating from Livingston High School in 1955. It was at Livingston High that he met a beautiful girl from New Willard, Mona Rae Hill. She became the love of his life. They were married, after they had both graduated from Sam Houston State University, on August 15, 1959. After the births of their sons, John and Stanton, he returned to the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Upon graduation he accepted a job with Temple Industries in Diboll, but soon transitioned to Kent, Marcellos, and Scott: Architects and Engineers in Lufkin, where he worked on many of the buildings that comprise the campus of Stephen F. Austin University. In 1971 he returned to his hometown and opened his own engineering firm. There are many homes, businesses, churches, and public works that benefited from his expertise. For many years Jerry served as the building official for the City of Livingston.

In 1974, Jerry and Mona were blessed by the addition of a daughter, Janie.

Jerry was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church. He served his Lord in the church in many capacities. He was ordained a deacon under the ministry of Rev. Bill Kennedy. He served on many committees, and a term as Chairman of Deacons. He taught Sunday School for many years, both at Central and at First Baptist Church in Lufkin. He was for many years an active member of the Gideons International.

Jerry loved music. As a boy, he sang many solos and performed in many plays. He played guitar and took up violin in his 60's. He sang in the church choir and in various ensembles and quartets. He loved many types of music, including symphonies, opera, and country. He enjoyed Pavarotti, Leontyne Price, and Johnny Cash. Shortly before he passed, he had been teaching himself to play a song by Lady Gaga.

He was a wonderful father and grandfather with a quick wit and a mischievous sense of fun. He was a shining example of a faithful and loving husband. He is survived by his wife, Mona; his children, John Marsh, Stanton Marsh, and Janie Wilson; their spouses, Robin, Danielle, and James; his grandchildren, Jessica Lyons (Shane), Jacob Marsh (Whitley), and Noah Marsh. He adored his great-grandchildren, Allie, Micah, and Brooklyn Lyons. He leaves behind a host of friends and a reputation as a gentle, intelligent, and gracious man of unspotted integrity.

Pallbearers: Mike O'Bryan, Tom Myers Jr., Ben Cockrell, Alan Moore, James Barfield, Len Fairbanks, David Freeman

Honorary Pallbearers: Tom Gardner, John Gardner, Ben Royden Ogletree, Gene Bush, Burrel Rowe, Joy Sunday School Class, Local Gideons, Deacons of Central Baptist Church, Ray Scott

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Livingston Central Baptist Building Fund or to the local Gideons International.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com .