Marshall Woodard

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Marshall L. Woodard. Marshall was born on August 13, 1938 (his Mother’s Birthday) in Arcadia, Louisiana. Marshall was the youngest child born to Sam Thomas and Arlena Tinsley Woodard. He was raised near Arcadia and graduated from Arcadia High School. Soon after his high school graduation Marshall served in the USMC and was stationed in Barstow, California. After earning a degree in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University he initially began a career in finance. In 1973, Marshall accepted a civil service position in Dallas, Texas which opened the pathway to a long and successful career in Labor Affairs, Government Contracting, and eventually with The Laborers’ International Union of North America. Although he lived in Dallas, Texas and San Antonio, Texas, he considered Colorado Springs, Colorado his home for the majority of his life. He loved the mountainous landscape, the crisp mountain air, and the beautiful snowfall in Winter. However, wanting to be nearer to family, Marshall returned to the San Antonio, Texas area in the Summer of 2016 where he spent the last chapter of his remarkable life surrounded by his loving family members. 

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Marshall passed away from this life in the comfort of his home. Marshall’s passing was sudden and unexpected. Marshall will be missed beyond measure by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Marshall’s most profound core value was that he treated everyone, without exception, with dignity and respect. His kindness, compassion, and generosity are unparalleled. He left no mouth unfed, no person unclothed, and no one questioning their value. His kindness and generosity was also extended to his own beloved pets “Dottie” and “Miss Kitty”, but also to neighboring wildlife which he never allowed to go hungry or without shelter. Marshall was an avid College Football Fan and cheered on the LSU Tigers every season. He was also a fan of The Louisiana Tech Girls Basketball Team and The New Orleans Saints. Marshall’s greatest passion, however, was spending precious time with his friends and his family. 

Marshall is preceded in death by his parents Sam Thomas and Arlena Tinsley Woodard, his sisters, Louise Hollis & Bobbie Jean Lawerence, his brother Dayton Woodard, his great-granddaughter Cristabella Nevarez, and a son-in-law Robert Deike. 

He is survived by one sister, Margaret James, his daughter Kimberly Woodard-Deike, his stepdaughter Leslie Clancey (husband Tim Clancey), grandchildren Zachary Deike, Calin Marshall Deike, Brittany Deike, Malary Deike, Tyler Clancey, Tristan Clancey, and Will Clancey. He is also survived by his great- grandchildren Bear Nevarez and Skyla Blu Marshall, many nieces and nephews, and extended family members. In addition to his family, Marshall leaves behind countless cherished friends across the United States and around the world.   

Serving as pallbearers will be Luke Robin, David Robin, Nicholas Spiller, Hamp Spiller, David Chandler, and David Williams.

The funeral service for Marshall will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Alabama Baptist Church in Arcadia, with Landon Robin officiating. The burial will follow at Alabama Cemetery.