Marvin L Thrasher Sr.

On July 18, 1948 in Malvern, Arkansas a midwife named Mother Palmer delivered a baby boy to Marion Thrasher and Vester Mae Clark Thrasher. He was the first of twelve children to this union. The baby boy was named Marvin Lewis Thrasher and raised in Malvern, Arkansas known as the brick capital of the world.

On May 25, 1967 Marvin graduated from Annie A. Wilson High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps at 18 years old and was honorably discharged. In 1974 Marvin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a preacher in 1978. Later Marvin moved to Portland, Oregon and retired from Reynolds Metal Company and Freightliners Trucks Company.

Marvin had a variety of hobbies and interests. He enjoyed playing musical instruments (guitar, harmonica, piano, and the organ), exercising, bicycling, traveling, cooking; taking photos; listening to Gospel, R&B and Jazz music; and keeping a well-manicured lawn.

Marvin is preceded in death by grandparents Lummie Clark and Odessie Hudson Clark; parents Marion and Vester Clark Thrasher; brothers Michael Thrasher (Joyce) and Jerry Thrasher (Martha); sisters Charlotte Summerville and Stephanie Mitchell; daughter Keva Jackson (Michael); granddaughter Kemari Thrasher; Aunts Roberta Thrasher, Willie Coppock, Johnnie Brown, Cassie Thrasher and Louise Thrasher; Uncles Homer Thrasher, William Clark and Gus Thrasher; and Great Aunt Mattie Hudson.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife Gwen Reed-Thrasher, daughters Gladys Cross, Michele (Marcel) and Misty Thrasher; step-daughters Tia Moore and Tatiana Sims; son Marvin Thrasher Jr.; 21 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; sisters Rosiland Thrasher, Annette Thrasher, Anita Hunter, Desi Thrasher, and Tracey Smith (Freddie); brothers William Thrasher (Gina) and Lummie Thrasher; Aunt Gladys Clark Redic and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.