Thomas Rowland Marshall IV, natural musician, sailor

Thomas Rowland Marshall IV passed away at his home in Milton Friday, April 30, 2021, at the age of 70.  Tom was born July 27, 1950, in Lewes, making him a proud Beebe Baby.

Tom grew up in Lewes and Wilmington, graduating from Cape Henlopen High School in 1969.  He owned and operated Frameworks on Second Street, Lewes, and worked in real estate in Sussex County.  A natural musician, playing guitar, drums, keyboard, and literally whatever he picked up, led him to a lifelong love of all kinds of music. Early years were spent in his band, The Malibu’s.  He was a member of the local band Jack of Diamonds for a number of years.

Tom had a keen mind and enjoyed reading, art and learning. His paintings and sculptures were always interesting and clever. Tom was a true believer in the “American Way of Life” and listened to talk radio and loved to discuss politics. He was an avid and capable sailor. Tom loved being the captain of the tall ship Jolly Rover, with tours out of Lewes Harbor. Taking the Jolly Rover to a new home in the Caribbean turned into a real-life pirate adventure, with storms and highjinks from the locals. Flying an experimental hang glider, riding motorcycles, or driving fast cars were Tom’s idea of a fun day.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Marian Hocker Marshall.

He is survived by his loving companion of 11 years, Diana Bruni; his children: Taylor M. Keen, Meredith W. Marshall and Thomas R. Marshall V (Bridget), and their mother, Diane Marshall; his three grandchildren: Thomas, Nelly and Joe; his father, Thomas Rowland Marshall III; his sisters: Constance Marshall Miller (John) and Linda M. Fischer (Bobby); and many friends and relatives.

Tom hoped all will google the band Blue Highway on YouTube, the song “Someday” with lyrics.  Play it, sing it out loud, and give Tom’s life a celebratory toast! 

Funeral services will be private. The family thanks Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Beebe Medical Foundation, designating Tunnell Cancer Center for their loving, compassionate care, at Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Tom' s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.