Marvin Eugene Fanning

Marvin E. Fanning, 99, of Troy, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at his home of 53 years, that he has shared with his wife Joyce, surrounded by his family. Marvin was born in Arlington, TX on September 13th, 1925, to Doc Boyd and Etta Mae Fanning. Marvin had 9 siblings and is survived by two sisters who still reside in Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Doc Boyd and Etta Mae Fanning, one daughter, Linda Finley, sons Bruce Fanning and Lance Fanning.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 75 years, Joyce (Healey) Fanning of Troy, Illinois; son Bryan (Jodie) Fanning of Troy, Illinois; grandchildren Amanda Johnson of Belleville, IL, Michael Fanning, North Carolina, Michelle Fanning of Belleville, IL, John (Kathryn) Finley of Swansea, IL, Chris Fanning of Troy, IL, Dan (Holli) Fanning of St. Rose, IL, and Eryn Fanning of Troy, IL; great-grandchildren Emily (Michelle) Gerves, Devon Hunt, Elizabeth (Joe) Vanhorn, Alissa Johnson, Faith Fanning, Skylar Schroeder, Kathleen “Ellie” Finley, Rebecca “Becky” Finley and Grace Finley as well as three great, great-grandchildren.

During his life, Marvin spent his youth in Arlington, TX before joining the Marine Corp serving during WWII. Upon his return from service, he and Joyce married. Marvin and Joyce, along with their four children, traveled the United States, living in California and Florida as well as points in between, training and racing thoroughbred racehorses. In the early 1970’s, they settled in Troy, Illinois, with their four children. They lived on a farm and raised, trained and raced thoroughbred racehorses in both Fairmont City and Chicago, Illinois, during that time. Marvin finally retired at the age of 84, retiring as the oldest active horse trainer in Illinois which earned him an article in the newspaper. Marvin and Joyce spent their retirement years enjoying their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marvin would have been 100 years old on September 13th, 2025.

Visitation will be from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

The funeral will be at 12:30 PM on Friday, March 28, immediately following the visitation at the Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.