Obituary of Marshall Lee Sheeley

Marshall L. Sheeley, 91, of Niles, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 21, 1922 in Niles to the late Benjamin and Dora (Yaw) Sheeley. On April 24, 1944, in New Carlisle, Indiana Marshall married the love of his life Vivian L. Bennitt. She preceded him in death in 2007. On December of 1942 Marshall enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was a gunner who saw much action in the Pacific Theatre of the Marshall Islands of Saipan and Johnston with the 873rd Bomb Squad 498th Bomb Group later cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. Marshall and the crew on their B-29 bomber served their country proudly, earning four bronze stars. After returning from the war, Marshall worked for French Paper Company and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, vacationing in Kansas and several western states, and spending time with his family. He is also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Kenneth, Donald, Warren, Burton and Harrison Sheeley, a sister Inez Geelan. Marshall is survived by his two daughters; Dianne (Tom) Antrim of Niles and Patricia (Len) Houts of Schoolcraft, grandchildren; Earl Antrim, Erin (Keith) Hix, Bradley (Carrie) Houts and Chad Houts, seven great-grandchildren and two sisters Lila Truhn and Jean Rickerman both of Galien. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in Marshall's memory to Reverence Home Hospice 348 N. Burdick, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007.