Donald Marston, Sr.

Donald F. Marston, Sr.

Donald F. Marston, Sr., 97, of Junction City, died Jan. 10, 2015 at Valley View Senior Life. Donald was born May 10, 1917 in rural Geary County, the son of James E. and Grace A (Limbocker) Marston. He grew up in Geary County, attended grade school in Geary County and Chapman, attended 2 years of high school at Abilene and the final 2 years in Junction City, and graduated from Junction City High School in 1934.
Donald worked as grocery clerk from 1932 until 1941, and then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Junction City in Feb. 1941, where he worked until June of 1974. He retired with over 33 years of service as a carrier-clerk-and Vehicle Operations Maintenance Assistant. Donald had organized the Geary County Sheriff's Reserve in 1970, and later worked as a regular deputy sheriff until 1979. He continued to work part-time as a transportation Officer, transporting inmates for the Geary County Sheriff's Office until the end of 1993. He was then made a Special Deputy.
Donald was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Junction City and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Donald coached Little League Baseball teams, and was a Boy Scout leader from 1952 through 1962. In 1957, Donald assisted with a 21 day trip taking 111 boy scouts and leaders to the Boy Scout National Jamboree to Valley Forge, PA, Canada, New York City, Philadelphia, PA, and Washington D.C.
Donald received three Superior Accomplishments Awards and Unusual Achievement Awards for Operation and Teamwork from the Post Office Department. He received a Geary County Sheriff's Award for Dedicated Services as a Reserve Deputy, Regular Deputy, Rural Firefighter, and Outstanding Citizen Award.
Donald was united in marriage to Vivian Helen Sitterley on Aug. 6, 1939 in Junction City. She died April 17, 1998. On Jan. 21, 2004, he married Lola E. Brighton in Clay Center. She survives. Other survivors include: a son Marvin E. Marston, Calimesa, CA; a daughter, Cynthia H. Gill and her husband Dale, Hinton, WV; a daughter-in-law, Carol Marston, Greeley, Colo.; and grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Donald F. Marston, Jr.; a grandson, Jeff Marston in 1997; a brother, Samuel; and a sister, Mary K. Seley.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery. The family will greet friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, or to the donor's choice.