Our Papa was a man of many interests, talents and abilities. He loved having fun and making others laugh. Being a very emotional person he would often say "I cry at birthday parties, picnics, and parades".
Marvin served his country as a member of the USMC during the Korean War. During his early adulthood he participated in one thrill seeking event after another, including bronc riding, bull riding, motorcycle dirt track racing and stock car racing. In the early '60s he set a Texas record in motorcycle hill climbing.
He was raised by a praying mother that loved the Lord, had 3 siblings, Bill, Lois and a younger brother Mickey. He often looked up to Bill as a father figure, and thought he was the best car mechanic there was. He loved Lois and her outgoing personality and laughter. He often told his mother that Mickey was the "Good Son". He loved his sweet kind spirit and admired his awesome painting talents and the beautiful way he played the guitar, while never recognizing his own many talents.
He was greatly blessed by his marriage to the love of his life, Margie, for almost 60 years. A beautiful, gentle, kind and Godly woman. She always encouraged him and prayed for him during the trials of his life. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Cindy and Becky. After deciding that it would be better to raise his girls in the country than in the city they moved to Kaufman County where he lived for the remainder of his life.
For the majority of his life he was a truck driver hauling bulk mail. At the age of 67 and logging
4.5 million miles he retired to his country home.
At age 50 he became interested in athletics and began training to compete on the weekends. He participated in over 60 10k runs, 4 marathons, and 32 triathlons. He was active in competitions for about 8 years.
Papa always had a deep love of nature and animals especially dogs and horses. He enjoyed gardening, raising cows, archery, camping, horseback riding, and driving his tractor. Mostly he loved singing and playing the guitar, and writing songs and poems. At the insistence of his brother Mickey he published a book entitled "Thoughts From The Heart" that included many of the poems he had written through the years.
After retirement he enjoyed spending time with his 5 granddaughters, and later great grandchildren. He especially enjoyed Christmas and would dress in a Santa suit, complete with his own white beard. He would hand out envelopes with a 100 dollar bill enclosed to everyone there.
Then we would take pictures sitting on his knee. It always made for a very lively and fun party.
Our Papa was quite a character. He displayed his love to his family in many generous ways.
We loved him and will miss him.
As I used to say to him as a little girl" I love you Big High”-- Becky Foster
Marvin Eugene Stevens, 88, went home to the Lord on December 18, 2021. He is survived by his daughters and son in-laws, Cindy and Bobby Pritchett, Becky and Paul Foster; granddaughters, Leah Odom and husband, Aaron, Diana Pritchett, Christina Cruce and husband, Charlie, Sarah Foster and Jenny Foster; great-grandchildren, Kali Odom, Ian Odom, Isabella Odom, Gracie Rasco, Drake Rasco and Briar Cruce; sister, Lois Jackson; sister in-law, Sue Stevens; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Juanita Stevens; beloved wife, Margie Stevens; brothers, Bill Stevens and Mickey Stevens; sister-in-law, Alma Lou (Stevens).
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