Downs Funeral Home 4608 Elysian Fields Rd., Marshall, Texas 75672 (903)927-1700 Fax (903) 927-1282 Mark Edward Marshall Mark Edward Marshall, 52, of Marshall and the Gill Community, passed away July 26, 2011. Mark was born February 21, 1959 to Ernest and Miriam Marshall. Mark, a frequent contributor to the Marshall News Messenger was called the "Wheeling Reporter". He was confined to a wheelchair after an accident that occurred in 1971 when he was 12 years old. In one of his articles written in 1999, he explained his accident to his reading public. He was injured while playing touch football at a church picnic. Later that night he slipped into a coma and was rushed to the hospital. Surgery and rehabilitation followed, but he was always to remain in a wheelchair. He had to use a spelling card to communicate his thoughts, but communicate he did! Mark was a lively and gregarious person who loved to laugh and to play pranks on people. He enjoyed going on visits to see all his little lady friends as well as his school buddies. He had an amazing memory, and anyone needing to know an answer, a name, or a date could count on Mark. Mark was a devoted Marshall Maverick fan, graduating from Marshall High School despite missing a year of school due to his accident. Mark had a special love for his pets, and looked forward to his vacation every year. A life long member of Friendship Baptist Church, Mark had a tremendous devotion to the Lord, witnessing to others at any opportunity. He made a point to be at church every Sunday and was known to frequently "amen" the preacher. He is preceded in death by his mother, Miriam Sealey Marshall. He is survived by his father, Ernest Marshall, sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Jerry New, brother and sister-in-law, Ernie and Cathy Marshall all of Marshall, nieces Natalie New Inman and husband Bert, Carrie New Hammack and husband Todd, Janna Marshall Ellenburg and husband Joe, nephews Jeff Marshall and wife Brenna, Jeremy New, Jonathan Marshall, and nine great-nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank his loving caregivers, Stephanie Cook, Michelle and CiCi Mimms, Pearline and C.C. Rowl, and Millisan Cherry. Pallbearers will be his friends, Val Jones, Paul Reynolds, Dave Westmoreland, Jack Baldwin, Jackie Lloyd, Charlie Deloney, Wes Smith, Pap Watson and Blake Bolander. Honorary pallbearer will be Cal Staggers. Family hour will be Thursday, July 28 at, from 6:00-8:00pm at Down's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Friday July 29, 2011 at Friendship Baptist Church with Bro. Matt Paul and Bro. Mike Midkiff officiating. Internment will follow in Gill Cemetery.