Joel Brace Marsh, 93, of Bloomington, passed away Saturday, May 22nd, 2021. He was born June 20th, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio, where he spent his childhood, to his parents, Joel Webster and Helen (Cleary) Marsh.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Suzanne, and his son, James Bailey Marsh. He is survived by his son, John Brace Marsh and former wife, Virginia Berry.
After serving in the United States Navy during the last days of World War II and also during the Korean Conflict, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Butler University and a Master’s from Indiana University. A short time in radio broadcasting was followed by a long career in secondary teaching and theatrical work. He spent a few years in Indianapolis Public Schools and more than 30 years in the Monroe County Community Schools at Bloomington High School South. His acting career included collegiate, community, and professional theater as well as radio and television projects, commercials, and film. A natural musician, Joel played piano ”by ear” and composed fight songs for Bloomington South, Butler, and Indiana University. For 25 years he was the “Voice” of the IU Marching Hundred band and also public address Announcer for various Bloomington High School sports.
Joel was a dedicated and creative teacher who took a personal interest in his students. More than one former student returned years after graduation to thank him for his instruction and insistence on accuracy and appropriate behavior. Sometimes these former students returned wearing a military uniform and thanking him for “helping straighten me out”.
A dedicated Christian, Joel participated in the Anglican Catholic Church and was a strong advocate of its tenets. A private Requiem Mass will be held for family and Celebration of Life and Reminiscence will be organized soon, the date and location to be announced. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville.
Those wishing to make gifts in Joel’s memory may send them to the Captain James B. Marsh Memorial Scholarship in the Department of Military Science, c/o IU Foundation-Bloomington, PO Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206-6460
To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about Joel, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary.com