Donald "Don" Marshall

Donald "Don" Marshall, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Born on April 23, 1934, in Delano Earlimart, California, Don was a beacon of light and laughter, cherished by all who had the privilege to know him. Don was the loving son of John and Letha Marshall and the dear brother of his late sister, Margaret. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Marshall, with whom he shared a beautiful life since their marriage on October 30, 1982. Together, they created a family filled with love and laughter, including their children, Donald "Donny" Marshall and Susan Marshall, and stepson, Kevin. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Don III, Erika, and Lloyd, and his great-grandchildren, Vanessa and Donald IV "DJ." Throughout his life, Don was a dedicated farmer, known for his infectious laughter and unwavering belief in community and friendship. His philosophy was simple: life is better when shared. Whether it was offering a helping hand or a heartwarming laugh on a tough day, Don was always there. His handshake was his word, and his generosity knew no bounds. A proud American patriot, Don was deeply involved in his community. He was always the first to volunteer, whether it was barbecuing at local events, feeding crowds at the Junior Livestock Show, the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, the Slav Hall, the Earlimart Lions Club, or any city function. His culinary skills, especially his famous pork chops, were legendary, and his dedication was recognized when he served as the 2013 Delano Harvest Holidays Grand Marshal. Don's commitment to his community also saw him serving as the longtime President of the Delano Mosquito Abatement District and earning the affectionate title of the "Mayor of Earlimart." In his later years, Don cherished nothing more than spending time with his family. His days were filled with stories, laughter, and the simple joys of life, transitioning from whiskey and cigars to milkshakes and grandkids. His warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he met, a true testament to a life well-lived. A celebration of Don's life will be held on September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Elks Lodge, located at 708 Cecil Ave. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting Don's spirit of giving and community. Donald "Don" Marshall's legacy is one of love, laughter, and an unwavering sense of community. He leaves behind a world made brighter by his presence and countless hearts full of cherished memories.