Mr. Robert “Bob” Marshall, 66, of Salem, KY, passed from this life on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.
In Salem, KY, Bob developed his saddle business and homestead. Robert Marshall accomplished many great achievements in his lifetime. These achievements include his being a world renowned saddle maker, horse trainer, truck-restorer, multi-patent holder and he was known to be a professional, businessman.
Robert Marshall started out training horses during the daytime and at night walking down numerous isle ways of stalled horses fitting his handmade saddletrees to the horses’ backs. As his hard work led on he found himself making cutting saddles and reining-horse saddles for the top trainers and competitors in the United States. Later, Bob developed the famous “treeless” saddle. This saddle was developed to aid in the flexibility and comfort for both horse and rider. Barrel Racers all over the world soon caught on to this light weight, professionally designed saddle and fell in love with its ride , design and comfort for horse and rider as a team. Trail riders also desired his treeless trail saddles for its weight and comfort.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Dianne Marshall of Salem, KY; step-daughter Amanda Holeman Guess (Chad) of Paducah, KY; mother, Helen Louise Marshall of Vienna, IL; sisters, Martha Wilke of Belknap, IL, Betty Faye Little of Marion, KY, and Linda Marshall of Ledbetter, KY; and three nephews and seven nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tilford Lee Marshall; and his sister Beverly Lynn Marshall.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremations Services with Friend and Pastor Israel Sanders officiating. Burial will follow at the Marshall Family Farm.
Visitation will be Monday, December 26, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem, KY.
Condolences may be left on-line at boydfuneraldirectors.com
