John Wesley Marshall
July 9,1912-Aug. 6, 1968
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, August 6, 1968, page 1, col. 3-6. microfilm Niles District Library
Lone gunman slays city man
A Niles train engineer was shot and killed at about 5:30 a.m. today in the Robert R. Young Penn Central Railroad yard in Elkhart.
The victim was identified as John W. “Wes” Marshall, 51, of 1327 Sycamore St.
Authorities said Marshall had just completed a run from Chicago to Elkhart, and after going to the train house to pick up a duffle bag, was shot in the back of the head and twice in the upper and lower back area.
Witnesses told investigating officer that the assailant then walked away, got in a white, foreign station wagon, and drove off on US-33 toward Elkhart. He has yet to be apprehended.
Authorities indicate they have very few clues. There is no suspect, no weapon has been found and it is not known what typed of firearm was used. No apparent motive for the shotting has been determined.
Because of the darkness, authorities said witnesses were unable to get a complete description of the man. But it is believed that he was a short heavy set male, wearing a railroad hat and dark jacket.
Foot prints were found in the yard, indicating he wore shoes or boots with ribbed soles, the type worn by many railroad workers.
Sheriff's detective Kermit Rodgers declined to release further information until an autopsy had been completed.
Marshall was born in Grand Rapids on July 9, 1917. He moved to Niles in 1929 and married the former Bessie M. Fay, of Niles, on Sept. 12, 1942.
Survivors include his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Gerald Pitcher and Mrs. Robert Ferry, both of Niles, a sister, Mrs. James Hocker, of Buchanan, and two grandchildren.
Marshall was a member of the brotherhood of Railway Engineers, the Niles Elks Lodge, the St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4 of the Free and Accepted masons, and the Plym Park Golf Course.
Friends may call at the Halbritter-Swem Funeral Home after noon Wednesday. The Rev. Arlan E. Schlundt will officiate the 2 p.m. funeral Thursday. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery with graveside committal rites given by the St. Joseph Valley Lodge.
The family has requested that memorials be given to the Niles Elks Benefit Fund.