Marvin Dean Black, 88, entered the Gates of Heaven on July 23, 2024. He was born on November 28, 1935 in Creston, IA to Ray Glen Black and Leatha Marie (Lawson) Black, and grew up in the small town of Maryville, MO.
Marvin touched many lives during his 88+ years on this earth. He was an exceptional student & an accomplished athlete in many sports, with the pinnacle of his career in the realm of baseball. After playing for farm teams to include the Marville Redlegs and the Maryville Merchants, at the ripe old age of 19, he signed with the Kansas City Athletics for his first season of professional baseball. “A dream come true!” Although right-handed, Marv pitched with his left, and was thereafter known as “Lefty,” at least on the field. Unfortunately, his career ended abruptly, after only one season when he was coerced into throwing javelin in the off-season. Sadly, he injured his elbow, which ended his pitching career.
Raised Methodist, after he married Marcia, he joined her church and was baptized by immersion. Marvin always demonstrated his faith to those around him and was a wonderful Christ-like example to all those who encountered him. In the early years, he & Marcia would pick up handicapped people and take them to church with them. He volunteered for many years for the Samaritan Community Center here in NWA, served in Moore, OK after the tornadoes, and was active in Sunday school, and various other humanitarian projects through their church. Marvin’s was a life of service…to his family, his church, his neighbors, his community, and beyond.
After achieving a master’s degree from NW Missouri State, he went on to teach for 37 years in various communities in Iowa, primarily in the field of mathematics, although he also served as an administrator for a few years. He was an exceptional teacher, as his classes were nearly always overflowing. In the off-season, he coached numerous sports to include basketball, golf, etc.
Marvin always hoped for a baseball team of his own, however, as the proud father of 3 girls, he needed to rethink that. Although his baseball career was a highlight in his life, he was most proud of his family. He instilled in his children and grandchildren, life lessons they carry with them to this very day. Marvin and Marcia took every opportunity to teach their children and others about Christ. He was a doting grandfather to 5 grandsons & thoroughly enjoyed playing ball with them at every opportunity. Like everything else Marvin did, he was an exceptional grandfather, and was affectionately known as “Bankaw” by his 2 precious granddaughters.
Marvin was not privy to much travel in the first half of his life, but immensely enjoyed traveling in his retirement. He love to garden & do woodworking in his shop. Of special value are the treasure boxes he created for each of his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. He & Marcia would’ve celebrated 61 yrs. of marriage as of 8/18/24. He will be fondly remembered for his infectious smile, beautiful, blue eyes, and his positive attitude.
Marvin is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Marcia (Jacobson) Black, 3 daughters, Melanie Day of Ft. Worth, TX, Alisa Baker (Dr. James Baker) of Bentonville, AR and Elizabeth Goad (Chris Goad) of Springdale, AR, 7 grandchildren to include Dylan Day (Megan) of Weatherford, TX, Spencer Day of Austin, TX, Gabriel Day of Stephenville, TX, Dakota Medina (Makenzie) of Lowell, AR, Montana Medina of Lowell, AR, and Brooklyne & Savannah Goad of Springdale, AR. He’s also survived by 4 great-grandchildren, Kaleb Price of Lowell, AR, Owen Medina of Lowell, AR, Aurora Medina of Bentonville, AR, and Henrie Medina of Rogers, AR & 1 sister, Judy Crater of Maryville, MO along with numerous nieces & nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, the late Richard Black of Leawood, KS and the late Raymond Black of Maryville, MO, two sisters, the late Vivian Smith of Maryville, MO, and the late Linda Black-Fishbach of Gladstone, MO and a granddaughter, Victoria Faith Medina.
Services will be held Saturday, August 3 at 11am at the First Christian Church at 905 S. 13th St., Rogers, AR 72758 with the internment immediately following in the church columbarium.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
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