Eldon Wayne Marshall, age 79 of Stapleton, passed away Tuesday October 31, 2017 in Gilbert, AZ.

Eldon was born July 4, 1938 on his family’s farm south of Eustis, NE to Richard “Pete” and Dorothy (Puls) Marshall. He was confirmed in 1953 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis and attended grade school in Warsaw, IN before his family returned home to Nebraska, where he graduated from Elwood High School in 1956. In 1960 he graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He eventually obtained both a Master’s and post-graduate degree in Education.

In the fall of 1960, he took his first job in Wauneta, NE as a business teacher. He then went on to teach, coach and serve as Principal and Superintendent at several schools including Culbertson, Stamford, Eustis, Stapleton and Maxwell.

Eldon married his sweetheart, Carole Jean Whipps, whom he lovingly referred to as “Jeannie” in Straton, NE on May 29, 1960. It was during their time in Wauneta that their children Craig and Marcia were born. Craig followed his dad’s footsteps into the education field and eventually obtained a position as Superintendent of Wymore Southern High School, before his untimely death in 2009.

After his retirement, Eldon and Carole made their home in Stapleton, NE where he created strong relationships with his granddaughters Emilee and Kacee by visiting frequently and never missing a sporting event. In 2001 Eldon and Carole became snowbirds and established a second home in Queen Creek, AZ. He was a 50 year mason in the Elwood Lodge, a member of the Logan County Fair Board, and a subscriber of Husker Illustrated and Hail Varsity. He was a harasser of his family and friends by telephone right up until his death.

Eldon is survived by his wife Carole of Stapleton, NE and Queen Creek, AZ; daughter Marcia Higgins of North Platte, NE; daughter-in-law Vicki Marshall of Niobrara, NE; granddaughters Emilee Higgins of Columbus, NE, Kacee Higgins of Kansas City, MO, Ciera Marshall of Sioux Falls, SD; 2 great granddaughters; brother Lesley (Jackie) Marshall of Amarillo, TX; mother-in-law Vera Whipps of Florence, AZ; as well as countless other extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Dorothy Marshall; son Craig Marshall; and father-in-law Frank Whipps.

In lieu of flowers, a donation fund has been established in Eldon’s name at Community First Bank with locations in North Platte and Stapleton, to be used for a memorial in Eldon’s honor. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday November 10, 2017 at the First Lutheran Church in North Platte with Reverend Steve Berke officiating. Burial will follow at the Gothenburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday November 9, 2017 with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. (from www.northplattepost.com)