Earl "Butch" Norman Salmons, Sgt Maj USMC (Ret.), 74 of Middleburg, FL, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2014 following a battle with cancer. Mr. Salmons was a native of Peoria, Illinois and moved to Middleburg, Fl following his retirement from the USMC in Jacksonville in 1987. He was a member of the Russell Baptist Church, a founding member of the General Roy S. Geiger Marine Corps League Detachment #1047 of Middleburg where he was a past commandant, VFW Post 8255 of Middleburg, FL, American Legion Post 250 of Middleburg, FL and was very involved with the North Florida Military Museum of Green Cove Springs, FL. Following his retirement from the USMC in 1987 with a career of 30 years, Earl worked in the Bulk Mail Center of Jacksonville and retired once again in 2001. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”.

Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Dawn Marie Salmons, children Cassandra (Anson) Hargrove, Deidra (John) Dutschmann, Jessica (JD) Musser, Billy Joe (Megan) Salmons, and Michael Henry (Narae) Salmons, one brother, Herbert (Rita) Salmons, one sister, Marian Balceszak, 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, February 21, 2014 in the Russell Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Baker and ChaplainJohnny Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation with the family will be from 4-6:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to: General Roy S. Geiger Marine Corps League Detachment #1047 c/o Scott Westervelt,  1706 Waterford Landing Drive , Fleming Island, FL 32003 for the annual Toys for Tots event.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: