Jack Marshall

Jack Marshall’s extraordinary life came to an end on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at home at the age of 96. His legacy will continue through the memories of his family and legions of friends, his loving acts of generosity, spontaneous outbursts of provocative humor, and the tradition of critical thought and intellectual vigor he brought to all his endeavors. He was born April 7, 1919 to Emma Clay Marshall in Indianapolis, IL. His stepfather was J.S. “Duke” Hawley of Tulsa, OK. Jack graduated from high school in Tulsa, and worked for oilfield equipment and supply companies throughout Oklahoma and Kansas. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1941, and served as a pilot trainer at Chanute Field, IL during World War II. He met his future partner in adventure, Barbara Ruth “Bobby” Schroeder, and they were married September 19, 1943. Jack graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and shortly after joined Continental Oil Company (Conoco), where he spent the majority of his career in positions of increasing responsibility. He and Bobby moved frequently as his career advanced, enjoying the challenge and opportunity of seeing new sights and places. They spent 4 years in Tripoli, Libya, where Jack managed Oasis Oil Company, a Conoco joint venture, before returning to executive positions at Conoco in the US, including Executive Vice President of International Exploration and Production. He also served on the Board of Directors of Conoco for several years before retiring in 1984. He was a staunch supporter of his alma mater and was recognized for his outstanding career achievements by the University of Tulsa as one of its “Distinguished Alumni” in 1984. Jack loved work and the considerable responsibilities associated with it, but he segued into retirement with unexpected ease. He and Bobby built their dream home at Walden on Lake Conroe, and have enjoyed it greatly ever since. In retirement, he served on the Kidde Corporation board of directors, and governing boards and ad hoc committees of many civic organizations, including the April Sound Church, Montgomery Utility District, and the Walden Property Owners Association. He and Bobby continued to travel the world, enjoying the company of friends new and old and playing golf whenever and wherever possible. He was renowned throughout his lifetime for his ability to do a “high kick”, which he executed for both personal gain (winning modest bets) and entertainment in kick-line performances at the Walden Follies. Jack was a voracious reader. Few issues escaped the scrutiny of his keen mind, and he had sometimes surprising opinions on virtually everything. He greatly enjoyed animated discussions with other members of the Montgomery Philosophical Society, his regular coffee group. His intelligence, confidence and rapid-fire wit were tempered with a concern for justice, generosity of spirit, and complete devotion to Bobby. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him well.

Jack is survived by his wife Bobby, son Mike and his wife Laura, daughter Robbie and many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

The memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, September 30, at April Sound Church, 67 1/2 April Wind South, Montgomery, TX, followed by a reception at the Walden Yacht Club, 13101 Melville Drive, Montgomery, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made to April Sound Church Helping Hands, or to the Jack and Barbara Marshall scholarship fund at the University of Tulsa, https://payment.utulsa.edu/annual-fund.

The family would like to thank long-time companion Renea Swanner for her care and support through-out a difficult time, along with numerous friends, family members and caregivers who also provided assistance and comfort.