Marshall Dean Pullen

Marshall Dean Pullen, who proudly introduced himself as “Marshall Dean Pullen, the first, the one and only, the big boy,” age 16, of Sikeston, Missouri, was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Monday, March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

From the very beginning, Marshall kept everyone on their toes. Born April 11, 2009, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to his proud parents, Shaun Derrick Pullen and Stephanie Renee Beasley Pullen, Marshall was expected to be a girl. His family had prepared for a baby girl with pretty dresses and a diaper bag monogrammed in pink. But in the delivery room, the doctor surprised everyone with the words, “It’s a boy!” From that moment on, Marshall continued to surprise and delight everyone who knew him.

For the first three years of his life, Marshall was a healthy and happy little boy with curly blonde hair and, as he would proudly say, “the prettiest blue eyes you’ve ever seen.” He loved playing outside, riding his bike and his John Deere tractor, and anything related to Curious George. His favorite foods included blueberries and pickles, and whenever he went to a restaurant, he always ordered “water with THREE lemons.” Anyone who met Marshall quickly learned that his smile could light up a room.

In July of 2012, Marshall was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He endured surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant with extraordinary strength, joy, and courage. Through it all, he never complained and remained a happy boy despite the pain and challenges he faced. Marshall faced every challenge with remarkable courage and a joy that inspired everyone who knew him. Although he experienced many complications from treatment, Marshall remained cancer free for many years until his cancer returned in 2024.

Marshall found joy in the simplest things. He loved spending time with his family and with the nurses who cared for him. He enjoyed going to “play” with his therapists at the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center and watching his favorite movies. He loved balloons and especially looked forward to Christmas each year. One of the highlights of every Christmas season was Santa’s annual Christmas Eve visit to his home. Watching Marshall experience the joy of Christmas was something his family will cherish forever. Another treasured memory for his family was their only vacation as a whole family: Marshall’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World and Give Kids the World Village in 2022.

In addition to his parents, Marshall is survived by his siblings, Makenzie Kate (Maison) Pryer, Mason Hadley Pullen, and Mary Caroline Renee Pullen; his grandparents, Anita and Austin Maxwell; his great grandmother, Wanda Byrd; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his devoted home nurses, who became family.

Marshall was preceded in death by his Paw Paw and best friend, Ronald Dean Beasley; his Papaw, Michael Dennis Pullen; and his Memaw, Sheila Georgette Marshall Pullen.

Marshall’s parents would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his incredible care teams at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, the Bob Costas Cancer Center, Caring Hands In Home Care, the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, and Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. They are also thankful for his home teachers through the years from the Sikeston R6 School District, and for the many others who helped care for him and bring joy to his life. They are especially grateful to his wonderful oncologist, Dr. Deepika Bhatla, who helped guide every decision with love from the very first day of Marshall’s diagnosis and remained faithfully by his side until his very last breath.

They would also like to thank the many churches across the region and around the world who faithfully prayed for Marshall over the years, especially their church family at Discover Life Church, who surrounded them with constant love, prayer, and support. They are also deeply grateful for the kindness and encouragement shown by the Sikeston community and the surrounding region, who have loved and supported their family in countless ways.

Finally, they are deeply grateful for the thousands of friends from all over the world who became part of the Pullen for Marshall family and walked alongside them in faithful prayer and support for nearly fourteen years.

When Marshall entered Heaven, his family knows he was welcomed with the words, “Well done,” and is now finally free to run, laugh, and be a kid again. They rejoice in the hope and promise that they will see him again in eternity.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, at Discover Life Church, 1317 North Main Street, in Sikeston, Missouri.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the church with Pastor Justin Pobst officiating.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston, MO.

Pallbearers will be Mason Pullen, Maison Pryer, Matt Pullen, Dustin Pullen, Mike Helms, Joe Cameron and Joe Bill Davis.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or gift items, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Marshall’s honor to:

Night to Shine at Discover Life Church, 1317 North Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801 or to Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, 300 Floyd Drive, Sikeston, MO 63801

In honor of Marshall’s love for balloons and bright, happy things, the family invites those attending to wear bright colors and suggests balloons instead of flowers for those who wish to send a remembrance.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com