B.J. Marsh — beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and community legend — passed away on December 24, 2020, at the age of 80. He was born on February 21, 1940 in Pennsboro, Missouri, to Battie and Nannie Friar Marsh.

B.J. was one of a kind! B.J. graduated from Greenfield High School in 1958. Later that year, B.J. moved to Springfield where he completed his diploma from Weaver Airline Personnel School.  In his early years, B.J. worked multiple jobs including positions at Barth’s Clothing Store and the Insurance Offices of Missouri as well as serving as a high school and college basketball official. In 1972, B.J. started running trips to sporting events while driving buses for Sunnyland Stages. Shortly thereafter, B.J. started Marsh Travel, where he ran escorted motorcoach tours throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada until the time of his death. B.J. was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served six terms stemming from 1988 through 2009.  B.J. had a tremendous impact serving people through politics and running a successful travel business.  B.J. enjoyed taking bus tours, attending sporting events, and spending time with his family.  B.J. was always committed to doing the right thing for the people in his life and making those around him happy.  He had a huge personality that will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

B.J. was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers (Francis Coe, Billy, and Jerry).  He is survived by his wife, Joni and an older brother, Frankie (wife Arlene) Marsh. B.J. was also survived by his children, Marty M. Marsh (wife Trish), Monte Marsh, and Destiny Marsh; stepchildren Stephanie (husband Craig) Huckaby, Melinda (husband Troy) Frandson; four grandsons Mitchell Marsh, Owen Marsh, Gavin Marsh, and Austin Eastep; four granddaughters Madison Marsh, Macie Marsh, Lilly Eastep, and Darcy Eastep; five step-grandsons Nathan (wife MaRiah) Huckaby, Andrew (fiancé Emily McMichael) Huckaby, Jacob Frandson, Carter Frandson, and Cael Frandson;  and two step-great-grandsons Kaine and Camden Huckaby, along with other extended family.

A visitation celebrating B.J.’s life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65809. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 in care of the B.J. Marsh Tournament of Champions Ticket Fund.  B.J. loved the game of basketball and supporting the Tournament of Champions and donations will be used to provide children the opportunity to attend this event in future years.