Raymond E. Marshall

Raymond E. Marshall, age 71 of Cozad, passed away Monday, July 7, 2014 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Raymond was born February 12, 1943 at Escondido, California to Elvan and Alfreda (Kohl) Marshall. Raymond graduated from Cozad High School in 1961. Raymond married Karen Schmeeckle in September of 1968 and had one daughter. Raymond and Karen owned and operated their own lawn mowing and landscaping business in Cozad. Raymond enjoyed taking care of lawns and was very meticulous with his work. He also worked for various farmers as a hired hand in the Cozad area when he was younger. Raymond entered military service in September of 1963, and served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as an Army medic. He was originally stationed in Vinh Long with the 83rd Medical detachment to the 114th Aviation Company the "Knights of the Air". He flew with the Company's combat ready flight platoon the "Cobra's". He became an Alumni in the 114th Aviation Company Association in the 1990's where members of the Association were able to help him reconnect with several of his buddies that he was stationed with at Vinh Long. He was involved for a brief time with the Cozad VFW. He enjoyed keeping in contact with his buddies on a regular basis and was able to travel to New England to meet and spend time with them on two occasions. Raymond was proud of his patriotic background and enjoyed exchanging stories with other veterans about their time in the military. He collected military books and memorabilia from all eras, especially Vietnam and often arranged displays of his collection in local store windows during Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. He was very passionate about encouraging and assisting Vietnam Veterans in any way he could, especially when it came to applying for VA for benefits and assistance for service related disabilities. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charlie Marshall. Survivors include his wife Karen of Cozad; daughter Sondra Marshall of North Platte; brothers Robert (Ardie) Marshall of Cozad, Thomas(Marilyn) Marshall of Gunnison, CO, Ivan (Jacque) Marshall of Kearney; sister Leila Jobman of Kearney; nine nieces and nephews; and his two close Army buddies James Hebert and Peter Paul. Cremation was chosen and a private family inurnment will be at a later date. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.