NEW SHARON – Marshall R. Thombs, born on Sept. 16, 1933, in Greenville, Maine, USA, passed away on June 7, 2023. A dedicated, smart, supportive, and generous man, Marshall lived an extraordinary life filled with love, laughter, and accomplishments. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. Marshall’s passion for education and helping others was evident in his career as a counselor in Public Education and Public Heath organizations. After graduating from Greenville HS in 1951, he served with distinction in the U.S Air Force working on B-17s, he went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Farmington State Teachers College and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Maine Orono. He furthered his education by training at the Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minn. (Alcohol Institute) and the University of New England. Throughout his career, Marshall worked as an Elementary Teacher, Elementary Guidance Counselor, and a Substance Abuse Counselor for schools, Kennebec Valley Mental Health, Hospitals, and the University of Maine Farmington. His work on the Western Council for Alcoholism was particularly notable, showcasing his unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. He was actively involved in developing career educational programs and student assistance teams in schools and states. He was very proud that he helped establish “Project Graduation” a program that has been a model throughout the nation for a drug and alcohol-free celebration the night of high school graduations. He was a member of the Farmington Area Rotary club and an honorary member of the Maine Girls State Program. He met is wife of 63 years Nora McPherson while in college and was a loving father to their children, Norman and Kathy. In his free time, Marshall enjoyed woodworking, camping, the Scottish Highland games, studying the scripture in the Christadelphian tradition, watching his grandchildren in any activity, and traveling all over the world with Nora. He volunteered countless hours at the New Sharon United Methodist Church, washing dishes at their supers or flipping hamburgers at the Farmington fairgrounds. Marshall is survived by his wife, Nora Thombs; brother Richard Thombs and his wife Rhoda, his son, Norman Thombs and daughter-in-law, Kathy Perless; daughter, Kathy Thombs and son-in-law, Scott Roberge; and grandsons, Dylan, Luke, and Ethan Thombs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Gladys Thombs and his brother David Thombs. Marshall’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support.The family would especially like to thank the amazing people at the North Star Ambulance Service, everyone on the third floor of Franklin Memorial Hospital and the Androscoggin Hospice house for their incredible kindness. A celebration of his life will be in September, more details to follow. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Marshall on his memorial page at http://www.dsfuneral.com.Your tributes will serve as a reminder of the incredible life he led, and the love he shared with those he held dear. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn

Copy the Story Link