The Heart of Our Family: My Father in law, Marshall Fleming
Over the years, I have written many times about my father in law, Marshall Fleming. I have been blessed to live next door to my in-laws for most of my marriage and it has been wonderful. I grew up next door to my grandparents and my children grew up next door to their grandparents, Marshall and Jane, and next door to their great grandmother. Now two of my own grandchildren and my daughter live between us and my in-laws. Luckily, my son and his family are only a few miles away.
I am writing this because last week the best father in law a girl could ask for passed away here at his home at 89 years old. To say I will miss him is an understatement. These last few years he would show up from walking my daughter’s dog to give us the Frederick newspaper. Or he would be riding up from what we called the bottom (behind out homes) from doing something or other on the old Kubota tractor. Marshall loved being outside. He was always the first to mow the lawn (all 3 of our lawns) and the last to put that mower away. A fallen leaf did not stand a chance in the fall. In the winters with the falling snow he would have his blade on and be doing all the snow removal that my husband’s big tractor did not get.
As with everyone, this past week has been spent going over pictures. Thousands of memories of the trips he and his wife took all over this country to the times he would help my husband and me at our wholesale nursery. (He did most of our deliveries after he retired). When he wasn’t mowing he would be helping my brother in law with his race cars and then later he would enjoy watching him when he got involved with his mules. Every June you could find him picking blueberries from their 60 year old bush. This man had so many things going on. For years, Tuesdays would find him and my husband at the Howard County Fair Grounds auctions that were held there. Marshall always was on the look out for treasures.
One of the big parts of his life was his volunteer service to the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department. Marshall has been a staple in the company since joining in 1953. In his 71 years of service he has served as Chief (1975), President (1960-1962, 1967), and on their Board of Directors as well as multiple committees. He served as the Howard County Volunteer Firefighters Association President in 1966 as well as a member of the Executive Committee for several years and a member of Howard County Fire Board. He was inducted into the HCVFA Hall of Fame in 2015. Active till the end, he attended his last meeting this past November.
This past week, we had to say our goodbyes, and now his family and friends are left to navigate a new normal without him. I still find myself expecting to see him peering through our front window to check if we’re home, and in my heart, I know he’s riding a lawnmower in heaven.
I don’t normally comment, but wanted to say so sorry for your loss. What a treasure that you and your family were able to live close with him.
A beautifully written tribute Stephanie. We are so sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort with family and friends, and knowing he had a life well lived.
What beautiful remembrance of a remarkable man; I cannot imagine how much you will miss him. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. You have brought so much pleasure to so many and I am sure they join me in sending you comfort and love at this difficult time. I’m sure that he already has a beautiful garden started in heaven! Your tears are the water that nourish it, so know that it’s okay to cry.
I always enjoy your column but, of course, today I feel sincerely sorry for your loss. I love that you lived next door to him expanding how much your family got to enjoy life together. In the end, as we take stock of the loss, it seems to me that to be able to know that you truly shared your lives counts so much.
God bless your family.
Sharon Atkins
Annapolis, Maryland
Dear Jon and Stephy,
I am so very sorry to learn of Marshall’s passing. He was truly a loving family man and an inspiration. I will always remember him coming to Behnke functions to observe, support, and engage in the various activities. Always smiling, even in the Christmas shop where I did not feel he had any interest.
Alfred
Your commentary made me sad yet I smiled on the rich legacy your father-in-law left his large family. It speaks to days of old yet the hope for the future of families that love each other and stay near or far away. Today’s communication make it so possible to connect in a myriad of ways no matter where you live. You were especially blessed to live close to one another – may your memories warm the days of his absence.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father-in-law sounds like quite a man.
The influence of significant others is profound and contributes greatly to our individual growth and wisdom. A little piece of him resides within you and your sharing and appreciation reflects his presence. You were very lucky and so was his community. God bless everyone who was touched by this soul.
A nice tribute to your father-in-law. Sounds like he really loved life.
I am so sorry. I always enjoyed hearing your stories about your family, and I can tell he was a very special person! Your wonderful memories of him will keep him close to you!
I didn’t know Marshall, but from your descriptions and pictures and get a glimpse of what he meant to your family and to his whole community. He sounds like an outstanding person, a person who could be depended on no matter what. My heart goes out to you and your family.