Joseph Arlin Marsh

Joseph Arlin Marsh, age 94 years, of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away on May 5, 2023 in the Hampton Manor residential facility in Hamburg under the wonderful care of the staff of Compassionate Hospice Care out of Brighton. He was born on October 12, 1928, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Joseph Arnold Marsh and Sophia E. Cummings. Surviving children are Nicholas (Cheryl) of West Chester, OH, Gary (Sandy) of Lakewood, CO, Kevin (Karen) of Pinckney, and Jane Muller (Joseph) of Pinckney.  He is also a grandfather of six and great-grandfather of three (Sarah, Amanda, David, Max, Alex, Alexis, Elliot, Arlin, Atlas). His surviving sibling is Renee Brown of Texas, and in-laws are Duane Murphy (Joan) of Hudson, Evelyn Jenkins (Donnald) of Williamston and Marvin Murphy of Hudson/Florida.

Joseph attended Ann Arbor schools before entering the U.S. Navy during World War II.  Upon discharge from the service, he married Barbara Jean Murphy, of Hudson, Michigan on February 17, 1948. They were married 72 years.  

He spent the last 70 years of his life in the Pinckney area, raising his family, and working as a heavy equipment operator building roads throughout southwest Michigan. As a hobby, he raced stock cars at various tracks around the state, particularly at Jackson Motor Speedway, where he was at the top in season point standings in the late 1950s. He also held a private pilot’s license, owned several airplanes and flew out of the Scio Airport in Ann Arbor and Howell Airport. In that capacity, he volunteered to pilot and distribute Christmas gifts around lower Michigan in support of Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. He loved to boat and fish on the Huron River and restored old trucks for a hobby, winning awards at numerous cars shows in Livingston County. He was a loving, kind, family man and animal lover. His family and friends’ hearts hurt for the loss but are thankful he had a long and beautiful life.

Joe was interested in supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial will be at a later date.  Please leave a message of comfort for Joseph’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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