In Loving Memory of Marshall P. Whalley
October 24, 1957 - July 28, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marshall Perry Whalley, a devoted husband, father, accomplished trial attorney, mentor, and lifelong learner whose passion for justice and helping others touched countless lives.
Marshall is survived by his devoted wife, Lynette (Powers), daughters, Savanna and Shelby. His sister, Gwen Baldwin (Bill), his brother, Greg Whalley (Ruth), nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marshall is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Lenna (Marshall) Whalley.
Born with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for learning, Marshall was inspired by his parents' dedication to education and hard work. Growing up in Royal Oak, Marshall spent a lot of time learning from his father how to master the mechanics of automobiles in their garage with his brother Greg alongside him. Marshall went on to rebuild his first engine at the age of 14 years old, to then racing cars down the infamous Woodward Avenue in Detroit. He also spent a lot of his childhood at his grandparents farm in North Dakota, which Marshall kept North Dakota as a place close to him as he always returned for hunting trips and quality time with his cousins. These experiences shaped the work ethic and mechanical insight that would later distinguish him both personally and professionally.
Marshall earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 1980, where he majored in Physics and minored in Psychology. His graduate research at the Kresge Medical Hearing Research Institute reflected his innovative spirit, while his commitment to serving others was evident through programs he helped develop for inmates seeking GED certificates and troubled youth. During his college years, he also worked in consumer protection, advocated for tenants' rights, and spent summers on Detroit assembly lines building automobiles to help finance his education. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law on a merit scholarship in 1983. Early in his legal career, Marshall's scientific expertise played a pivotal role in resolving significant medical malpractice cases, while as well as his niche proficiency in physics for the law field helped many in personal injury cases, setting the stage for a lifetime of remarkable advocacy on behalf of those who had been injured. Marshall dedicated more than four decades to the practice of law; earning a reputation as an exceptional trial lawyer, author, lecturer, and former Judge Pro Tempore. Throughout his distinguished career, he successfully represented individuals in complex personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, asbestos, and mesothelioma cases. His unique background in physics, psychology, engineering, and medicine enabled him to solve some of the most challenging legal cases, securing justice for people who often had nowhere else to turn. He was dedicated to his clients, worked tirelessly on their cases, was fearless in court, and strove to give them the best outcomes for their individual needs.
Outside the courtroom, Marshall embraced life with enthusiasm. With Marshall, every day and every season, came new excitement. In the early spring he spent time on the track racing, starting with drag racing team Whalley Motorsports to then later to circuit races at the Gingerman track. Then to follow were spring break trips on the ocean where Marshall could scuba dive and go deep sea fishing which started with one of his best friends Robert Wang, when they were students at University of Michigan. His passion for the ocean only grew from there, and reflected with family vacations where Marshall then taught his daughters how to scuba. Summers were spent working on cars while his hip was glued to the grill, Marshall was well known as the ultimate grill master-his ultimate joy in life was cooking for others. When he wasn’t grilling, he was out fishing in Lake Michigan or doing wheelies on the Jet-ski with his family. In the fall came hunting season where he always had his closest friends, family, and furry friend with him. The winter brought the cold and holidays, which meant family Christmas parties and ice fishing. Every day was always filled with a new adventure, especially when it came to Marshall’s never ending search for fun. Whether gathered around the smoker preparing a new recipe or embarking on a family adventure, Marshall found his greatest joy in sharing life's experiences with those he cared for most.
Marshall fiercely loved his daughters Savanna and Shelby, Shelby’s creativity and curiosity, Savanna’s drive and passion, both direct reflections of him. Him and his wife Lynette shared many fond memories, meals, adventures, and stories that will be told for generations to come. Marshall and Lynette unable to be without one another since they met, she was no doubt the love of his life.
Marshall Perry Whalley otherwise known as: Mr. Whalley in court, with his colleagues and to his clients; Marshall to his wife, friends and family; Dad to his girls; Uncle P to his nieces and nephews; and Marsh to his sister and brother.
Marshall will be remembered not only for his remarkable legal accomplishments but also for his integrity, intellect, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others. His legacy lives on through the countless clients whose lives he changed, the colleagues he mentored, the friends he inspired, and the family who loved him dearly.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
GUESTBOOK
Well Marshall what can I say. You have always been a loving thoughtful brother-in-law who I loved dearly first time we met at Lakeville Lake Michigan in 1983. The boating memories at lakeville lake, elk lake, Lake Michigan will forever remain in my heart. Your endless love for my children Steven and Sabrina makes us proud you are our Uncle P. Love you so much miss you so much. Will see you again one day and will laugh while grilling those awesome ribs!! Love always, -Ruth Whalley
Good morning, Marshall, I’ve been wanting to message you for some time now and I’m finally doing it because I just saw someone recommend you and your firm. Someone was asking about a lawyer on Facebook and there was nothing but praise for you. I do wanna start off by telling you I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. And I am continually keeping you and your family in my prayers. I think you know this, but my mom thinks very highly of you and I wanted to thank you for helping her all those years ago with my dad’s case and making her life easier to be able to not work and raise us properly. She did a hell of a job.! and thank you for also allowing me to start my young adult life out by purchasing an apartment building that I own for 16 years and not having to struggle when I was first on my own. Thank you for everything that you have done for my family. I really appreciate it all. You’ve helped us and friends and family tremendously over the years. I’ve always wanted to thank you and I’m sorry it’s taking me this long so thank you for everything and I will continue to pray for you. Sending all my love and healing prayers. Rest easy Big Guy, you deserve I’ll be missed! -Lisa Mora
I’m so sorry for your loss. He is gone far too soon. I knew Marshall during college and law school and we reconnected years later through Facebook. He was brilliant, outrageously funny, and even at that age, a champion of the underdog. The first thing he spoke to me about upon reconnecting were his daughters. Out of all the roles he played, father was the one he cherished most. -Shawn DeLater
My deepest condolences to you, Lynnette, Savannah, and Shelby. Marshall was indeed a remarkable man. May your memories sustain you and keep him close. -Kyile Marshall
Thank you for our friendship, I'm forever grateful. My heartfelt condolences to Lynette, Savanna and Shelby. Much Love, -Tom Melita
I only met you a couple of times when you were in cando. Say hello to Rob Ackre. You will be missed. -Wanda Tostenson
Marshall has been in my thoughts for many drys now since I learned of his illness. We met when he was in Law school and had an apartment next to my then boyfriend Julian. We had so much fun together with cookouts and gatherings. He was the most generous and kind man I have ever met. He took us out on his boat and invited us to his deer camp in the UP . He was so cheerful it was infectious. When he became a dad he was a great one and put his heart into it like he did with with everything. I miss those happy days and I know all the people whose lives he touched wish mis him too. I am praying for his wife and daughters as they learn to live without him in their lives. Rest in peace dear Marshall, -Mary Newcomb
