Obituary of Kyle Marsh

Kyle (Bill) Marsh, age 87, passed away suddenly on June 28, 2021. He was born on September 13, 1933 in Torrance, Pennsylvania to Duward and Vivian (Long) Marsh. He enlisted in the Army at 16 years old, served for three years, then returned to Pennsylvania to finish high school. His senior yearbook photo quoted "likes sports, played football, favorite pastime is working with cars, in Army before completing high school, likes brunettes, friend of everyone, pleasing personality." The quote was true throughout his life. In 1953, he joined he Air Force for another 20 years of service. His assignments took him to Germany, Turkey, and Japan in addition to serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He earned several commendations and Air Medal Awards. Most notably, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1968 for "aerial flight as an EC-47 Airborne Traffic Analysis Technician in Vietnam flying an unarmed reconnaissance mission against unfriendly forces in direct support of local ground operations. He remained in the area despite active threats to obtain vital intelligence". He was credited with flying 112 missions on the C-47. While living in Japan, his red 1964 Mustang attracted Masako Matsushita's attention. Although she shattered the passenger side window closing the door after one ride, they continued spending time together and married June 25, 1969. They settled in California after Kyle retired from the Air Force in 1973. He worked for San Juan Unified School District and Sacramento Municipal Utilities District until he retired in 1996. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States including Hawaii, visiting Japan and Canada, and going on cruises. Later in life, he was a 22-year stroke survivor, and he did his best despite his physical limitations. His mind was sharp until his last day. He could recite everyone's birthday, knew how old they were in days, remember milestones, and almost any conversation he had with them. He chaired a Mens Club at his Assisted Living and was quite memorable to all. He was most proud of his grandsons and followed their activities meticulously. Kyle is survived by his daughter Juri Marsh Roberts, son-in-law Daniel Roberts, honorary daughter Tish (Alex) Eccleston, grandsons Joseph, Richie and Ken Roberts, sister Virgil Coldren, brothers Carl Marsh and Timothy (Sandy) Marsh along with numerous nieces and nephews. Kyle was preceded in death by his wife Masako, sister Betty Rothermel, and brothers John, James, Robert and Donald Marsh, and his parents. A Full Military Honors Memorial Service for Kyle will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 21 at Sacramento Memorial Lawn Chapel. Kyle's interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Kyle's name to the Disabled Veterans of America (dav.org).