Marshall Lane Steen

Marshall Lane Steen, 65, of Ashland, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, following an extended illness. Marshall was the son of the late William Miller and Jo Frances Rayburn Steen. He was born Feb. 11, 1952, in Ashland, grew up over the family funeral home and eventually took over the family business. He was a 1970 graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School. After high school, he attended Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville and joined his parents in the family funeral business. As a young boy, he became interested in the American Civil War. At age 12, he was the youngest member of the North-South Skirmish Association of America. While in the N.S.S.A., he enjoyed shooting in competitions with muzzle-loading rifles and doing re-enactments of Civil War battles. Marshall was a proud Boy Scout and obtained the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He also represented the Tri-State Area Boy Scout Council by attending the World Jamboree in the State of Idaho, the only time the World Jamboree has ever been held in the United States. When he was able to get his driver’s license, he found a passion for cars, especially fast cars. He spent many weekends at Riverside Drag Strip and Ravenrock Drag Strip racing cars and winning many trophies. He always had a love for horses. In his younger days, he participated in horse shows and loved long trail rides. Those who knew him well will have fond memories of his rope lassoing shenanigans. Marshall was a well-known and successful entrepreneur. By the age of 28, he had assumed the position of president of the family funeral business. After the sale of the funeral business, he remained on as a consultant. While in the funeral industry, he started a custom home construction business, Colonial Builders, where he built several custom homes. He and his wife reopened Ashland Porter Paint Store. Their first day of sales totaled $3.33, but by the end of the first year, the Steens had brought the store to top in sales in the state. By the third year, the store was number 11 in the nation. During that time, he and his wife formed a company that complemented the paint store. It would be known as Ashland Interiors. In 1993, Marshall started Steen Cannon & Ordinance Works, a company that reproduced and refurbished historic muzzle-loading artillery. All over the United States and places around the world, the name Steen is known as the finest producers of historic artillery. The cannon business was his passion and love. Today, you can go to any battlefield and see his work. In addition to the funeral business, he and his wife, Pat, own and operate the Old Post Office. Marshall was a proud member of Jaycees, Ashland Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 350, Poage Masonic Lodge F&AM 325 and The Rotary Club. He served in various positions in the Rotary club and finally became a “Paul Harris Fellow” and president of the club, which he was most proud of. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat Creech Steen; three sons, Jason (Mary) Gullett, William Steen and Zachary (Ginger) Steen, all of Ashland; one brother, John William and wife Jean Steen of Ashland; two nieces, Amy (Earl) Twinam and Sallie Boyd; three furry family members, his beloved German shepherds Stormy, Zack and Sunny; and his first grandson due in June. Marshall’s funeral will be at 6 p.m. at The Old Post Office Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, with The Rev. Dr. Isaac W. Nicholson and The Rev. John Street officiating. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at The Old Post Office. Burial will be at noon Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, in Ashland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marshall’s memory to Ashland Animal Rescue Fund, (A.A.R.F.), P.O. Box 2061, Ashland, KY 41105. Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.

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