We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired Sgt. Carl Marshall, who served as a trooper and pilot for over 30 years. Carl “Papa Bear” Marshall helped with the establishment of the Cumberland Section (Trooper 5,) spent 15 years as a Sgt. at the Frederick Section (Trooper 3) and helped with the development of our hoist rescue and wilderness survival programs. His work on quality management/improvement earned multiple governor’s awards and he was awarded Pilot of the Year in 1997. Carl retired from Trooper 5 in 2005.
September 1, 1944 – August 6, 2026
OBITUARY
Carl Bernard Marshall, Jr., 81, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Hospice of the Panhandle.
Born on September 1, 1944, in Littleton, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Carl Bernard Marshall, Sr., and Beulah Romaine Powers Marshall.
Carl was a talented woodworker who proudly built two homes by hand for himself and his beloved wife, Sharon. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, and traveling, especially to Alaska. An avid reader with a sharp wit and a memorable sense of humor, Carl was known as a reserved antagonist who loved good-natured banter.
He was a member and past president of the BOJC and took great pride in crafting custom knives from raw metal. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Carl lived a life rooted in faith, service, and family. He was a gifted teacher who enjoyed passing along his knowledge and skills to others, especially his children and grandchildren.
Carl proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he dedicated 38 years to the Maryland State Police, 32 as a Medevac helicopter pilot and 6 as a state trooper, where he was selected to serve as Section Commander. Throughout his career, he touched countless lives through his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to helping others.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon E. Cox Marshall, with whom he shared over 60 wonderful years together; his son, John T. Marshall (Lisa); his daughter, Wendy D. Wolfrey (Herbert); his grandchildren, Carly Leeks (Aaron), Kayla Damuth, Hannah May (Scott), Grace Wolfrey, Sarah Taylor (Zach), and John “LJ” M. Marshall (Lindsey); his great-grandchildren, Amari, Aydrian, Remi, Lakelynn, Daxton, and Russell; and his sister, Cathy Lynn Abrecht.
SERVICES
Memorial Service for Carl Marshall
August 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
Central Church of Christ
90 Waverly Ct., Martinsburg, WV 25403
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