Marshall Ashby Deffinbaugh, 69, of 2522 Jackson River Road, Covington, Virginia, died Sunday, August 8, 2010 at Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem.

He was born December 1, 1940 in Covington, a son of the late Marshall Lee and Velma Tosh Deffinbaugh.

Mr. Deffinbaugh served with the National Guard for 27 years.

He was an employee of the former Hercules, Inc. plant in Covington. He retired from the #8 paper machine at MeadWestvaco in 2006.

He was a former chief and member of the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to his parents, Marshall was preceded in death by a brother, Ellis Deffinbaugh.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Lillie Bailey Deffinbaugh of Covington; one son, Greg Deffinbaugh and his wife, Michelle of Denver, CO; three daughters, Teresa Ratliff and her husband, Greg of Clifton Forge; Mary McDaniel of Boise, ID and Linda Liptrap and her husband, Charlie of Covington; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren and one brother, Walter L. Deffinbaugh of Grayson, KY.

Friends may their respects any time at Arritt Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Wednesday evening, August 11, 2010 at Arritt Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010 in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles Russell, assisted by Rev. Ray Burton.

The interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial donations may be made in Marshall's name to the American Cancer Society, in care of Karen Buzzard, 807 McCormick Blvd, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.