Marvin Stuart, 84

Marvin E Stuart, age 84, of Leonidas, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 3, 2016, while at home in Leonidas.
He was born July 27, 1931, at Corey Lake, Fabius Township, near Three Rivers, to the late Harry Earl Stuart and Helen Irene Smith Stuart.
After graduation from Colon High School in 1949, Marvin earned his bachelor’s degree in theology from Chicago Evangelistic Institute (later Vennard College) in 1954, and his master’s in theology from Winona Lake School of Theology. Soon after college, he joined the Army and served in Germany as a medical field specialist. He was a pastor for most of his adult life, serving Michigan congregations at Clarksville Wesleyan and West Berlin (Lake Odessa) Wesleyan, Jackson Wesleyan Methodist Church (later Central Wesleyan), Munith Church of the Nazarene, Jackson First Church of the Nazarene, Grace (now East Jackson) Church of the Nazarene, and Spring Arbor Church of the Nazarene. Marvin had a heart for those in Nursing homes as well, bringing services and Bible studies to Nursing homes in Jackson, Mich., and most recently at Birch Adult Foster Care in Leonidas, Mich.
Along with his pastoral ministries, Marvin’s occupations have included farmer, milkman, used car salesman, and corrections officer for the State of Michigan at the State Prison of Southern Michigan, where he retired in 1992.
Mr. Stuart was a friend to many, and loved spending time with his family and friends. He served on the board of directors of Family Life Radio and Youth Haven Ranch while in Jackson, Mich. Marvin was a member at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg, Mich., and a regular local attender of Factoryville Bible Church in Athens, Mich. Marvin was a former Gideon, and was a lifetime supporter of numerous missionaries serving the Lord in the field. He also had a love for classic automobiles and John Deere tractors. His old-fashioned sense of humor has entertained many, and has manifested itself in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his later years, he thoroughly enjoyed reminiscent writing about his life memories.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Marie (Hulliberger) Stuart, who together with Marvin enjoyed 37 years of love and friendship.
Marvin is also survived by a daughter, Suzanne (Stan) Gibbs; and three sons, James (Staci) Stuart, Mark Stuart, and Stephen (Marie) Stuart; 11 grandchildren, Paul Douglas Stuart Jr., Alaina (Colby) Sharp, Jeremy (Michelle) Stuart, Evan (Laura) Stuart, Robert Stuart, Keith Stuart, Charity (John) Locke, Jessica Gibbs, Katherine Stuart, Hannah Gibbs, and Joseph Stuart; eight great-grandchildren Breslin, Shea, Dharia, Adelai, Harper, Ryker, Hobbes, and Sawyer. Marvin is also survived by his sisters Doris (Wally) Nichols of Sturgis, Mich., and Mary (Roger) Hall of Sturgis, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother Robert Dean Stuart of San Antonio; his sisters Norma Shoop and Marcia Bechteloff, both of Colon, Mich.; and his oldest son, Paul Douglas Stuart of Phoenix, Ariz.
In keeping with his wishes, Marvin’s body has been donated to MedCure for medical research. A celebration service is planned for 11 a.m. on July 16, 2016, at Factoryville Bible Church, 33650 Factoryville Rd, Athens, MI 49011, with Pastor Fred Goebert officiating. The family will be receiving visitors beginning at 10 a.m., and invite guests to stay for a luncheon immediately following the service.
The family is very thankful for the wonderful care we received from Dr. Hyde of Visiting Physicians as well as the staff of Grace Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Factoryville Christian School, 33650 Factoryville Rd, Leonidas, MI 49066.