John William Marx

John William Marx

August 14, 1940 – June 20, 2026

John William Marx, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on August 14, 1940, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, John was the son of Calvin and Harriett Marx.

John proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army from 1958 to 1964. As an Army Paratrooper, he volunteered to serve where others might not. He attained the rank of Specialist E-4 and was honorably discharged. During his military service, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Hamilton, New York; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Wiesbaden, Germany. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Rifle Badge, and Expert Infantry Badge.

John embodied the spirit of the Airborne Creed:

"The Airborne, the Army, my Country – the United States of America. I am its chosen few. I volunteer to fight where others may not want to go or serve."

In 1965, John married Diane Weber. Together they welcomed two children, Carrie and T.J. John was an entrepreneur and businessman, owning and operating Discount Liquor in Hastings, Nebraska, from 1967 to 1977. He later embarked on a new career with the Burlington Northern Railroad, which moved the family to Alliance, Nebraska, where he worked as a Chemist.

John was a devoted father who rarely missed his children's school activities and sporting events. He enjoyed boating, camping, cool cars, reading books, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends. His creative woodworking projects reflected both his craftsmanship and his patience.

Following his separation from Diane, John married Amby in 1999 and proudly became a stepfather to James and Trent Mattock. After dedicating 30 years to the railroad industry, John retired and embraced another entrepreneurial adventure by owning and operating Video Kingdom in Alliance. In recent years, John and Amby moved to Hastings, Nebraska, to be closer to family.

John is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Scott) Whitcomb; his son, T.J. (Jenny) Marx; the mother of his children, Diane Dailey; his cherished granddaughter, Maddie Marx; his stepson, James (Shawna) Mattock; along with many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Amby Marx; his stepson, Trent Mattock; his sister, Mary Huddleson; and his parents, Calvin and Harriett Marx.

John will be remembered for his patriotism, sense of adventure, love of family, and unwavering devotion to those he cared about. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless memories he created throughout his remarkable life.