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Vernon Marshall, Pioneer Nurseryman, Dies At Age of 87

Word was received Monday morning, September 28th, of the death of a veteran Arlington businessman and well known nurseryman, Vernon Marshall. Mr. Marshall died at his home in Mesa, Arizona following a lingering illness.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 1981 at the Melchers Mortuary in Mesa at 2 p.m. The cremation has taken place.

Mr. Marshall was born at Arlington, Nebraska on April 28, 1894. He was married on September 24, 1917. To this marriage there were three children born. The three survive along with his wife Louise.

The children are: Vee Louise Clanton of Indianapolis, Indiana; Maxine Smith of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Lloyd Marshall of Denver.

Also surviving are two sisters and two brothers. The sisters are: Ruth Renard, of Arlington; Catherine Boker of Omaha. The brothers are: Morris Marshall and Ralph Marshall, both of Mesa, Arizona.

Vernon Marshall, or “Vern”, was born and raised on the original Marshall Nursery farm. He studied horticulture at the Nebraska School of Agriculture, east campus, in Lincoln.

Under the guidance of his father, George Marshall, Vernon devoted his talents to the propagation of nursery stock. His reputation as a propagator is well known among nurserymen throughout the country, and it is due largely to his efforts that Marshall evergreens, trees and shrubs are the best to be had. His services were sought by the Federal Government in the creation of the shelter belt project in the Plains states.

Vernon served as Vice President of the Marshall Nursery in 1948. In 1956 he was promoted to President. In 1967 he retired from the Nursery and was named as Chairman of the Board. Vernon Marshall was President of the Nebraska Association of Nurserymen in 1961.

Vernon was a member of the American Legion for 64 years and was Treasurer of the Arlington Congregational Church for several years. He was also awarded the Boy Scot of America Silver Beaver Award.