Donald Z. Marshall

Donald Z. Marshall, 86, of Dover, passed away peacefully, early Friday, October 3, 2025, while in the care of Ohio’s Hospice’s Truman House at New Philadelphia following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.

Born in the family home at Midvale, Ohio on July 22, 1939, Don was a son of the late W. Kenneth and Verna Brewer Marshall.

After graduating from the former Midvale High School, Don began his undergraduate studies at Ohio State University and went on to earn a Bachelor of Education from Otterbein College. He later completed a Master’s in Education at the University of Akron. Don dedicated 47 years to the field of education, spending the majority of his career with Dover City Schools. Over the years, he served in multiple roles, including teacher, principal, district bus coordinator, and administrative assistant. Known for his deep care for students, Don consistently went above and beyond to support not only the children in his schools but also their families when in need. He was instrumental in launching the 8th-grade Washington, D.C. trip for Dover students, inspired by his experience at a principal's convention in the capital. Don also founded Grandparents Day at Dover City Schools, which created countless memories for those involved.

Having never met a stranger, Don loved talking to and learning about people. His passion to help others extended beyond the schools out into his community where he assisted with Mobile Meals, volunteered at The Greater Dover-New Philadelphia Food Pantry, passing out food, and for a brief time was employed by the Society of Equal Access.

His faith was nurtured as a 55-year member of Dover First United Methodist Church. The building had a special meaning to Don as in his younger years, he helped to build the facility when he was employed by Gundy Construction. Don was an active member of the congregation where he was a member of the United Methodist Men, sang in the church choir, and helped out where needed.

A true nature lover, Don enjoyed being outdoors. He loved hiking, especially around Dundee Falls, and the Wilderness Center at Wilmot. He especially enjoyed watching the birds and chipmunks from the observation room at the Nature Center. His other outdoor activities included spending time on his pontoon at Atwood Lake and traveling with his wife, Alta.

Aside from traveling, the couple, who married on July 3, 1998, enjoyed ushering at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek. This time allowed Don to meet new people and find a common ground in which to strike up a conversation. Again, he never met a stranger. Early in life, Don took a class on cake decorating and has baked and decorated countless cakes throughout his lifetime. It didn’t matter if it was a birthday, graduation, or wedding, Don was the go-to cake expert in his family. He even traveled as far as California to decorate cakes on three separate occasions. Don’s biggest passion however, was family. He rarely missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren in their sporting and school activities.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 27 years, Alta Marshall; his daughter, Sonya (Shawn) Hart of Fresno, his step-children Kelly (Ben) Hall of Wadsworth, Kevin (Rebecca Shrewsberry) Warner of Uhrichsville, Brian (Kasey Dixon) Warner and Mark (Nessie Vega)Warner all of North Canton; his grandchildren Cory (Sami Conley) Marshall, Clay (Kylee) Marshall, Lori Hart, Hugh (Laura) Hart, Scott Hart, and Keshia (Dustin Givens) Hart, AJ Warner, Ashton (Lexi Watson) Warner, and Keegan Warner, Sophia Warner, Anthony Warner, Marina Warner, and Brysen Hall and Braden Hall; two great- grandchildren; his brothers Jim (Rosemary) Marshall of Akron, Bill (Linda) Marshall of The Villages, Florida, and Dave (Cyndi) Marshall of New Philadelphia as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald B. Marshall, and his sister Nancy J. Gilmore.

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Wesley George will lead a celebration of Don’s life beginning at 5:00 PM. A meal and fellowship will follow in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry PO Box 95 Dover, Ohio 44622, or to Ohio's Hospice Foundation 716 Commercial Avenue SW New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663; or to Dover First United Methodist Church, 1725 N Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 33622. Don would be glad to know he is still helping his community through your memorial contributions.