Marshall Eugene Schirer
Obituary
Marshall Eugene Schirer, 81, died Wednesday (Nov. 24, 2010)
at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.
He was born on May 29, 1929, in Newton.
He was one of seven children.
In Marshall's senior year of high school, he won the Future
Farmers of America National Public speaking contest. He enjoyed debate and
political science.
On Aug. 27, 1949, he married Donna Dickinson. Marshall was
ordained to the ministry in 1956. He was to retire Dec. 31. He worked for 54
years in the ministry as an American Baptist pastor, a denominational leader
and a fund raiser for mission work.
Marshall's greatest joy came when we had our frequent family
reunions. Our latest reunion was when his family gathered around his hospital
bed. Grandchildren were important; Kimberly Mullen Matheson (Corey), Ben Mullen
(Liz) and great-grandson, Isaac (He would light up at the mention of his name.)
all of Maine, Elizabeth Mullen of Denver, Kasper (Effie) of China, Sam of
Lawrence, Anna of Topeka, Alex of Seattle and Dustin of Overland Park, and
step-grandkids, Kolby and Mallory.
Marshall and wife, Donna, loved to travel. Many travels
involved mission work at home and abroad. They spent a year and a half living
and working with their beloved Lahu people of Thailand. From this love sprang
the project of giving water buffalo to Lahu pastors in Thailand and China. With
this gift, native pastors were able to support themselves while working in
remote villages.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, of the home in Wichita;
brothers, Keith of Newton and Robert (Betty) of Lyons; and sister, Eleanor, of
Newton; and his children, Marcia (Bob) Mullen, Maine, Dana (Karen), David
(Melissa) both of Wichita and Daniel (Kim) of Manhattan; and grandchildren.
Marshall's parents, Clarence and Faye Schirer; sisters, Faye
Anne Nicholas and Esther Smith; and brother, Ivan Schirer, preceded him in
death.
Visiting hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Baker
Funeral Home, 6100 E. Central St. in Wichita. Marshall's funeral service will
be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Westside Baptist Church.
Memorial gifts will be to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313
S. Market St., Wichita, KS 67202, and the Marshall and Donna Schirer Lahu Water
Buffalo Project in care of Westside Baptist Church, 304 S. Seneca St., Wichita,
KS 67213.
