Don Fredric Marsh, 1930-2018

Don Fredric Marsh, 88, died on December 7, 2018 at his home in Rockport, Indiana. Born September 9, 1930 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the late Elizabeth (Wells) and Orion Ray Marsh, he moved frequently with his family, spending many of his younger years in Rockport, until settling in Columbus, Ohio (Westerville) at the age of 14. In 1954, after serving in the Army National Guard during the Korean War, Don and his partners began MidVo, the distributor for Volkswagen (later adding Porsche and Audi) for Ohio, Kentucky, and part of Indiana. Over the years, Don had been a partner in several automobile dealerships in Central Ohio - VW North, Porsche Audi North, Mid Ohio Imports and more recently with his son in Kelly BMW. Don was known for his quick wit, active mind, tremendous drive, and was always looking for ways to help those around him succeed. Just as in everything he did, Don threw himself into service to his community serving on the Boards of various organizations including Buckeye Boys Ranch, The Salvation Army, Main Federal Savings and Loan, The Columbus Academy, and served for many years as Chairman of Riverside Methodist Hospital. He had been in Rotary Club of Columbus and was a member of Community Lodge #684. His lifelong love of all things with wheels began as a little boy, a passion he pursued both professionally and personally. Don collected classic cars for years, toured actively all around the country, and raced with both vintage cars and in the IMSA series. His encyclopedic knowledge of seemingly every car ever built amazed his family and friends. Don was an active trout fisherman, and a member of Castalia Trout Club, Scioto Country Club, The Columbus Club, Road Racing Drivers Club and many other car related clubs. He is preceded in death by his first wife Jacqueline and his son Michael. He is survived by his wife, Molly; his sons, Kelly (Piedad), Mark (Monika) and David (Jodie); his grandchildren, Jackie, Yesica, Brady, Michael, Jordan, and Matthew; his sister, Rosemary Puglia; brothers-in-law, Alan (Jean) Burris, Jim (Mary Anne) Kauffman, and Andrew Kauffman; sister-in-law, Betsy (Nick) Kauffman; and many nieces and nephews. Don lived life fully, cared sincerely, pursued his passions intensely, and helped countless friends, family members, and communities along the way. He left this world a better place than he found it. He will be deeply missed. A special thanks to the Spencer County Hospice (Nancy, Misty and Beth). You are truly angels. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate to the IU FOUNDATION for Dr. David Roodman's myeloma research (Gifts may be mailed to IU Simon Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207, indicating "in memory of Don Marsh.") or to Spencer County Hospice, 225 Main Street, Rockport, IN 47635.