Marshall Alford

Marshall Edward Alford was born on January 25, 1930 to Buster and Daisy Alford in Waco, Texas. He passed away on June 24, 2010. Marshall is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sara; daughter, Melody McKee and husband David; son, Craig Alford and wife Jaime; grandchildren, Brooke Benefield and husband Brian; Zach McKee and wife Sarah, Quinn McKee, Tanner Alford, and Brantley Alford and great grandchildren, Allie Grace Benefield and Berkley Benefield. Also survived by brother, Jim Alford and wife Glenda and a host of nieces and nephews. Beginning in his youth, Marshall learned the values of hard work, determination, and effort. He achieved many honors during his high school years in Brownsville, TX. Excelling as an athlete, he lettered 2 years in Track, 3 years in Basketball, and 4 years in Football.He wasselected asAll District for 2 years and was also selected asHonorable Mention All State. High school coach Bob Martin, who also coached Tom Landry, was a role model and mentor throughout.Marshall's football career continued after earning a 4 year scholarship to play football at Baylor University. A special ceremony held in October of 2007, honored members of the 1952 Baylor football team. Players were recognized for their outstanding season which earned them a trip to the Orange Bowl and each received an Official Orange Bowl ring. As a member of Baylor Alumni Association and Baylor Lettermen's Association he and his wife have attended many homecomings, reunions and other special events at Baylor. Waco Hall, which also turned 80 this year, was where Marshall proposed to Sara. Their anniversary on June 30th represents 59 years of faithfulness and dedication to each other. Upon graduation, Marshall attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as East Texas State University where he earned his Masters of Education and completed many hours toward his Doctorate. His earliest career days were spent as pastor of Gober Baptist Church. The opportunity arose for the young Alford family to return to Mesquite. For the remaining years of his career he worked as teacher, coach, and counselor in MISD, DISD and DCCCD respectively. Despite Marshalls dedication to nutrition and health he was stricken with liver disease in 1990. Faith in God and a team of outstanding physicians provided him with a new beginning. He was the 432nd recipient of a liver transplant at Baylor Hospital of Dallas. The Alford family is grateful for Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Klintmalm of the transplant team, as well as Dr. Polter, Dr. Muncy, Dr. Sklar, Dr. Williams, Dr. Godfrey and Dr. Stuart who provided exceptional medical attention in their various fields during the past 20 years. Because the family has been blessed in sharing additional years with Marshall, they wish to encourage others to become donors.As Marshall described the transplant in his own words, "It gave me a new life and outlook". The past 20 years have been filled with numerous activities including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, worldly travels and the opportunity to touch more lives. As member of First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite, Marshall served as Deacon, sang in the choir, taught an adult Sunday School class, served as Director of the Goldenaires and regulary attended the Wednesday morning prayer group. Other hobbies included weight training, reading, writing and gardening. His long sleeved plaid shirt and hat became an icon of the neighborhood as he watered the flowers daily. Marshall, No. 23, All-Star, Captain, Dad, Daddy, Uncle Marshall, Grandaddy, Grandad are how he is known to his family and friends. No matter which name is chosen, gentleness, kindness, and a genuine sense of caring are words to describe him. Those who knew Marshall have truly been blessed by his presence. There is peace in knowing he is with Eternal Greatness. Celebration of lifewill be Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite, Texas with Rev. Jim Sheppard officiating. Please honor Marshall's love of flowers by wearing colorful attire. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.