MARSHALL FEY PASSED AWAY AT AGE 96

Marshall Fey passed away in Reno Nevada on November 5th, 2024, at the age of 96.

Our hobby has lost another icon of the coin-op world. “Marsh” was a fine gentleman. He was a regular at the Chicagoland Shows for many years. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help everyone he met. If you were lucky to have ever spent an evening meal with him, you know how he could mesmerize everyone with his stories about the good all days with his father and grandfather.

Marshall Fey’s story is about the experiences of three generations of the Fey coin machine family.   His grandfather, Charles Fey is known as the inventor of the three-reel slot machine and scores of other coin operated devices.  His father Edmund Fey invented, manufactured and operated machines on his own. His focus was centered on arcade machines as well as gambling machines.

Marshall along with his brother Frank operated and revamped numerous slot machines in their Reno Liberty Belle Restaurant and Saloon for more than 30 years. Many of us visited there and were given the red-carpet treatment. An original Fey Liberty Bell slot machine was on display for all to enjoy.

Having spent his entire lifetime with coin-op machines and the people that made and operated them enabled him to tell the complete story of the evolution of the slot machine. Marshall Fey was best known as the author of the number one selling slot machine book in the world “Slot Machines The First 100 Years”.  With over 33,000 copies sold it is now in its seventh printing.  It has been printed in multiple languages.

His fabulous book takes us on a journey that starts in the early 1890's and ends in in today's modern casinos. Included in the exciting history of this major industry are accounts of the pioneers, inventors, manufacturers, operators and the numerous raids that plagued the industry. This book has been used as a source book worldwide, including television documentaries. It is a “must have” book for all serious slot collectors.

Marsh was the winner of the American Association for State and Local History’s “National History Award” in 1984.  Marsh has spoken at our C.O.C.A. meetings on multiple occasions. His book has helped to spread the word about these fascinating machines and inspired both new and old collectors since 1983.

He has educated antique collectors everywhere that these highly regarded slot machines are not only a good investment, but fun to play.  He was a great ambassador for the coin operated machine collecting hobby. Marshall was inducted into the COCA COIN-OP HALL OF FAME in 2011. HE WILL BE MISSED.

If you would like to send a condolence card, please send it to his son Marshall:

Marshall Fey, 2925 West Moana Lane, Reno Nevada, 89509