Mr. Donnie Ray ("Boonie") Marshall

Mr. Donnie Ray "Boonie" Marshall was born in Independence, La. on January 28, 1953 to the late Ms. Viola Marshall and the late Mr. Woodrow Lockett. He attended Greenville Park High School, later deciding to attend Job Coprs to become a tailor. He was a member of the Church of the living God in Hammond, La. and was baptized in his youth. In the early 1970's, Boonie moved to the state of Michigan where he fathered and reared his six children for whom he exhibited a particular and special love; Mr. Donnie Ray "Lil Boonie" Marshall, Jr., Ms. Donna Marie Marshall, Donyelle Marshall, Donald Ray Marshall, Donovan, all of Kalamazoo, MI, and Ms. Donnesha Marshall or Muskegon, MI. He is the proud grandfather of three grandchildren, Mr. Darkeese Marshall (Donnie Ray, Jr.), Tamya Marshall (Donnesha), and Xavier Marshall (Donna Marie). Boonie was gainfully employed at several proprieties in the Kalamazoo area, including TGI Friday's, Olga's, and at the NACD as the groundskeeper. He was an avid player of Dominos and was fond of animals, but of dogs in particular. His greatest loving and joy filled moments was when he was among his family. He regularly went out of his was to bond with all of his family members, visiting even if there was no holiday and promoting togetherness and strong family associations. His loving ways went beyond family bonds to include a host of friends and close associates who adored him and enjoyed his great sense of humor. His greatest desire was to know all of his family members and for them to know and love each other. He spent his last decade with his tender companion, Doris Abbott, who referred to him as "Don". Doris shared all of his familial moments; visiting family and being affectionate toward his children. She was a steadfast partner, caring for him through his final hours. Boonie was preceded in death by his parents, Viola Marshall and Woodrow Lockett; his brother, Leroy Wesby; three sisters, Julia (Fayne) Wesby, Alice (Davis) Wesby, and Catherine (Barze) Wesby. He is survived by his spouse, Mrs. Jacqueline Marshall; his sisters, Mary Barze, Nancy Jackson, Ola Mae Barze, and Hattie Mae Freeman; his children, grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Boonie will be remembered and loved by those who knew him best. The family expresses special thanks to his intimatencaregivers Doris Abbott and Sabrina Marshall for their kind and attentive services to him and for their warm reception of all who desired to visit and spend time with him.

Mr. Donnie Ray ("Boonie") Marshall

January 28, 1953 - July 31, 2011