Marvin Elihu Thomas

Marvin was a man who embraced life with a loving heart and a beautiful soul. His love for his family and friends was immeasurable. While some may remember him as an incredible gymnast, a dynamic dancer especially during the disco era, a proud major of the United States Marine Corps, or yet still a “drill sergeant” during his time as an instructor for the incoming police recruits; his family will remember him as a man who enjoyed spending as much time as he could with those he loved. To Marvin, if you were his friend, he considered you family.

In his spare time, Marvin liked to read, play games, fish, and cook. He especially found joy in watching cooking shows and creating new dishes. He was a master of the grill and spent many years making his famous and frequently requested beef kabobs. Marvin was also quite skilled at making limoncello which he happily shared with family and friends.

Marvin graduated from Robert E. Peary High School in Rockville, MD, in 1973; continued his education at Montgomery College (1975) and Towson University (1978) to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education; and earned a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University (2006) after completing the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP).

Marvin was a dedicated public servant who fulfilled four years of active duty in the Marine Corps from 1982-1986 and continued his years of service in the reserves earning the rank of major before receiving an honorable discharge. He then served the citizens of Montgomery County as a police officer from December 1986 until his retirement in January 2008, earning the rank of corporal. During his time as a police officer, Marvin had many assignments, including a patrol officer, a member of the Special Assignment Team (SAT), an instructor at the Public Service Training Academy, and a member of the Rockville motor squad.

Of all his accomplishments, Marvin would say that being a father was his greatest. He was the proud father of Brett Thomas (Marie) and Lauren Peirce Marlowe (Gary). He delighted in being a supportive father during their school years by attending music concerts, plays, basketball games, football games, wrestling matches, dive meets, and cheerleading competitions. He made it a point to show up for his children and taught them by example what it meant to be a loyal friend, a hard worker, and a committed employee.

One of his greatest lessons was in stressing the importance of family, whether it be your family by blood or your family by choice. Spending time with his family was never a hardship for Marvin. His genuine love for his family was obvious in that most weekends you could find Marvin attending a niece or nephew’s school activity or sporting event, watching Sunday football games at any given Thomas’ house, or hanging out with his brothers and parents just because.

Marvin was very proud to be called Pop Marv by his two grandsons Carter and Logan. He was a playful grandfather who was never too busy to take them to the park, read a book, or make silly sounds to invoke their laughs. He most recently had the pleasure of meeting his newest grandchild, Avery, just days before his passing. He would have loved spoiling her and being wrapped around her finger. Marvin talked about his grandchildren with such happiness and would brag about them whenever he had the opportunity.

Marvin shared over 37 years of marriage with his beloved wife Lori. Together, they enjoyed spending time at the beach and the lake and traveling to a variety of destinations whether it be on a cruise or visiting family and friends out of town. Marvin was always game for whatever his “social director” scheduled.

In addition to his wife, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren, Marvin is survived by his mother Mary Thomas; his brothers Clinton Thomas (Jessena); David Thomas (Donna); Joe Thomas (Betsy); his brother-in-law Doug Senn (Missy); numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many additional family members, friends, and “framily.” Marvin was preceded in death by his father Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr., his brother George B. (Billy) Thomas, Jr., and son-in-law Christopher Peirce.

Friends may call at Church of the Redeemer 19425 Woodfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM where at funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM

Interment: Norbeck Memorial Park 6225 Batchellor’s Forest Road, Olney, MD 20832 immediately following the service (approximately 1:30 PM)

Repast:The Oak Room

17921 Brooke Road

Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Time: Immediately following the Interment (approximately 2:30 PM)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the following organizations in memory of Marvin E. Thomas:1. Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS):https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org

2. Montgomery College Alumni Association: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu and select alumni association in the drop-down menu .3. Church of the Redeemer: https://church-redeemer.org