We regret to inform the membership of the passing of Brother Drain Mahaffee Marshall at the age of 94. Brother Marshall took his oath of obligation on May 12, 1958, and in 2023 received his 65-year service pin, marking an extraordinary lifetime of service and membership in Local 728. Drain was part of what may fairly be called one of Local 728's family dynasties. Past and present members of the Marshall family number 15 in total, and Drain was the last of the oldest generation.
When he joined the Local in May of 1958, he paid the then-whopping sum of $100.00 in initiation fees and was formally voted into membership. Like many of his generation, Drain followed the traditional path through the craft. He spent several years working on rigging crews before moving on to green deck lamp operator, then to work on the floor. He eventually became a Best Boy and by the early 1980s began working as a Chief Lighting Technician or as it is commonly known, a Gaffer.
His career spanned feature films, television series and sitcoms, reflecting both his skill and his deep commitment to the craft. Drain retired in April 1999 to spend more time with his wife, Delores, his extended family and his passion project: his beloved VW Bug.
Local 728 extends its sincere condolences to the Marshall family, his friends and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.