Chester R ("Chet") Marshall, 65, of Scott Depot, died February 26, 2013 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma and leukemia.

A great encourager and friend, Chet's life left a significant impact on everyone he met. He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered and treasured for years to come.

He is preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Frances Marshall of Ashland, KY.

Chet is survived by his wife of 20 years, Vickie; son, Jason (Dyan) of Chesapeake, VA; daughter, Jennifer Barker (Van) of Alexander City, AL; sister, Sharon Gregory of London, KY and grandchildren: Clay, Jordyn, Emylie, Kray, Brayden and Marshall. Because of his influence in their lives, there are countless others around the country, and the world, who also consider him their "Papa Chet" or "Pappy".

Chet was a very special man, gifted by God to touch the hearts of people he encountered with the love of Jesus Christ. Whether it was from a pulpit or stage, on a basketball court or fairway, in West Virginia or Russia, in tears or laughter, he had a unique gift of connecting with others in a real and personal way. He was a rare example of the truest expression of God's loving kindness that can be found in a man today. Chet's passion for people took him around the world, leading to mission work in Russia. There, he established a "Russian Youth Camp," which continues to provide life-changing opportunities for numerous young people.

His upbeat and always positive attitude was an infectious and welcome sight. And even in the midst of his battle with cancer, he would reply "absolutely marvelous" when asked how he was doing. His approach to finding "blessings through adversity," served as an inspiration to all who followed his journey and many were uplifted by his perspective.

His personal and professional activities are too numerous to exhaustively list (SC First Church of the Nazarene, FCA, Putnam Rotary to name a few) but rest assured, he fulfilled each and every leadership opportunity with unparalleled passion and enthusiasm. He always felt if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. An experienced CEO in several industries, he became an expert on leadership and management and in recent years focused his professional energies as a motivational speaker, author, and life coach.

A service to celebrate God's love through Chet's life is planned for Monday, March 4, at 10 a.m., at the First Church of the Nazarene, 4923 Kentucky Street, South Charleston. Burial will follow in Grasslick Community Church Cemetery, Given.

A time of visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, March 3, from 3 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the following organizations: South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene; Fellowship of Christian Athletes, PO Box 11556, Charleston, WV 25339; American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.