William Charles Marbaker

William Charles Marbaker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, craftsman, and man of steadfast faith, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He was 96 years old.

Bill was born on May 15, 1929, to Prince William Marbaker of Silvara, Pennsylvania, Bradford County, and Vera Ida Johnson of Pennsylvania. From an early age, Bill demonstrated the character and determination that would define his life.

At just sixteen years old, Bill made a choice that revealed the man he would become. As the first chair trumpet player in his high school band, he earned a scholarship to play cornet and enrolled at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It takes a rare young man to seek out, rather than shy away from, challenge, structure, and responsibility; qualities Bill carried with him throughout his life. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in 1948.

Bill continued his education at the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. While there, he was a proud member of the Acacia Fraternity and played in the University of Nebraska Marching Band.

Following graduation, Bill served his country in the United States Army, earning his place in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division. Rising to the rank of First Lieutenant at a young age, he was stationed in Korea along the Demilitarized Zone. He carried the weight of that responsibility with calm resolve, the same steady character that would later guide him as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

On September 21, 1952, Bill married the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Cappell, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Their marriage endured for 73 years and was the foundation of a family built on love, loyalty, and faith.

After completing his military service, Bill returned home to Dorothy and built a life devoted to his family and community. A skilled carpenter by trade, he worked with his hands to create and build, leaving behind both craftsmanship and memories in the lives of those he served. Beyond his work, Bill was a passionate outdoorsman who loved boating and spending time in nature.

Over the years, Bill and Dorothy lived in Glen Ellen and Warrenville, Illinois, and were long-time summer residents of Taylors Island in Cook, Minnesota, where many cherished family memories were made. Later in life they made their home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Faith was central to Bill’s life. He was a devoted member of Apostles By The Sea Anglican Church in Santa Rosa Beach and a proud member of the Freemasons.

For all his discipline and seriousness of purpose, Bill also carried a playful spirit. Those who knew him remember the twinkle in his eye that never faded. He knew how to break tension, bring people together, and remind those around him that joy is just as important as responsibility.

Above all else, the most important things in Bill’s life were his wife Dorothy, his children, his grandchildren, and the steadfast faith that guided him in every facet of life.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Jean Marbaker of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; his son, William Robert Marbaker of Colorado Springs, Colorado and his wife, Priscilla Marbaker; his daughter, Susan Jean Lipton of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and her husband, Steven Lipton; and his daughter, Karen Vera Marbaker of Freeport, Florida.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew Bolton of McKinney, Texas, Emma Bolton of Chicago, Illinois, Rachel Marbaker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Isabel Marbaker of Golden, Colorado, and Seth Curtis of Roy, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Katharine Em Bolton, whom is survived by her husband, James Bolton of Winfield, Illinois; and by his sisters, Betty Turner and Ida Smith Little.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home in Miramar Beach, Florida. To share memories, offer condolences, or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.DavisWatkins.com.