Donald M. Marquis

Donald M. Marquis, 88, of Goshen, passed away Thursday, July 29, at Courtyard Healthcare Center.

He was born May 4, 1933, in Goshen to Wilfred and Mary Ellen (Strock) Marquis.

Don is survived by a nephew, Stu Swartz of Goshen; four nieces, Margaret Kuiper, Goshen, Sandy Swartz, Goshen, Sarah (Derek) Brady, Mishawaka and Michelle (Carl) Marquis Hubbell, Goshen; several great-nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Kathryn Marquis of Goshen.

Along with his parents, Mr. Marquis was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Eugene Marquis, and a sister, Shirley Swartz.

Mr. Marquis graduated from Goshen High School in 1951. He then served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955.  After being honorably discharged, he attended Goshen College where he received his Bachelor’s degree in English, in 1959.

Following his graduation Don moved to Cleveland where he worked for American Greeting Cards from 1959-61.

In March of 1962, he moved to New Orleans to pursue his interest in the history of jazz music. After being a proofreader for The New Orleans Times Picayune and working at the New Orleans Public Library, he became curator of the Louisiana State Jazz Museum.  After retiring he was named Curator Emeritus.

Don was also an author and was proud of the two books he had published. One was on pioneer jazz musician Buddy Bolden. Another was “A Nifty Place to Grow Up” about his family’s neighbors on Gra-Roy Drive and nearby streets in Goshen.

Marquis traveled to several countries on behalf of the jazz museum. He was interviewed by TV documentarian Ken Burns for the “Jazz” series.

Don was a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to Notre Dame football.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, August 4, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Father Logan Parrish will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to New Orleans Jazz Museum.