Howell PBA Mourns Loss Of 'Cowboy' David Charles Marcks

HOWELL, NJ — Members of the Howell community are mourning the passing of David Charles Marcks, who died peacefully at home in Wall on Jan. 7 at the age of 58.

"Howell P.B.A.’s membership is saddened to hear about the loss of a great man from our community. David Marcks was a pleasure to know," a statement read. "Our members were among the recipients of his generosity, which seemed to have no end. His support and benevolence will not be forgotten."

Marcks was born in Point Pleasant and raised in Brick, according to his obituary, published by O'Brien Funeral Home.

"Dave was very community oriented," it read. "Two days before he passed, he completed a project for a neighbor who needed him."

He had close ties to different Howell organizations where he volunteered, including the Howell Chamber of Commerce and the Howell Planning Board. He also supported the Howell PBA, Howell Police Athletic League and law enforcement in general. He was honored by the Local PBA with a Silver Life Membership card.

"People were drawn to his outgoing personality and his generosity toward anyone who needed a hand," according to the obituary.

Marcks founded Geese Police, a company that provides bird and geese control to golf courses. After learning about this issue while working at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT, he trained his border collie to herd the flocks of geese from the golf course grounds. The company eventually grew to include 17 franchises in 13 states.

He opened Runway 34 Restaurant with his wife Diane Marcks, which had to close down in 2017.

"Every weekend in the summer Dave worked alongside his wife, Diane, at the Osprey nightclub in Manasquan which was owned for over 30 years, according to the obituary. "He enjoyed mingling with the crowd and even breaking up the occasional fight. He was always happy to oblige the patrons who wanted their picture taken with the Cowboy."

Marcks also hosted rodeo events where amateur cowboys could compete in team penning.

"Dave was a skilled rider and was always willing to partner with anyone who needed one. He especially loved working with the children and was a patient teacher for those who wanted to learn the cowboy way," according to the obituary. "Dave always had a way with animals and had a special relationship with Buckshot, the Texas Long-Horn who would come to the fence when called so that Dave could easily climb on his back and ride him."

He organized an event called Cowboy Adventure after September 11 and was able to raise over $10,000 to benefit the Howell First Aid Squad.

Visitation will be held Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, at 2028 Route 35 at New Bedford Road, Wall. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home followed by the entombment at St. Anne’s Cemetery, 1610 Allenwood Road, Wall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Howell PAL (P.O. Box 713, Howell, NJ 07731) in his name.