Marvin Henry Pavelka

He was introduced to the love of his life, Nancy Teichelman Pavelka, at a square dance; the match was orchestrated by Marvin’s sister and Nancy’s mother, as they worked together in a sewing factory.

Marvin and Nancy married on March 22, 1958. To this union, were born: Natalie Ann, Brenda Kay, Keith Alan, and Michael Henry.

Marvin served in the United States Army beginning on February 17, 1959, including an assignment in Nuremberg, Germany. He returned home early due to his mother’s terminal illness, and was honorably discharged on November 29, 1960.

Marvin then entered the Texas Department of Public Safety Patrol School and graduated on April 19, 1961. He served as a Texas State Trooper for 32 years, attaining Trooper IV status, retiring in 1992; he was also voted as Trooper of the Year during his career. He continued working as a civilian for DPS for four additional years, attaining a total of over 36 years of service, serving in Harris, Falls, and McLennan counties.

After retirement, he and Nancy relocated from the Houston area to Marlin, enjoying 20 years of country living. He enjoyed farming, spending time with his family (particularly the grandchildren), making homemade corn dogs, being the blue ribbon chili maker every year at Christmas, cooking BBQ, his pets, tinkering on mechanics with the boys, talking on the phone, and always having a joke on hand in order to share a laugh with you. He loved the Lord and being active in his church congregations, both at Our Redeemer in Houston and Grace in Marlin.

After a valiant fight with many health issues, he succumbed in hospice to congestive heart failure on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the age of 88 years, 10 months, and four days.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Annie; brothers: Adolph, Johnny, Jessie, and Edward; and sisters: Minnie, Edna, and Marguerite.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife of almost 66 years, Nancy; daughter Natalie Turney and son-in-law Scott Turney; daughter Brenda Ubnoske and son-in law Lester Ubnoske; son Keith Pavelka; and son Michael Pavelka and daughter-in-law Heather Pavelka. Grandchildren include: Nicole Turney Penn and her husband Nathan Penn, Sarah Turney Bay and her husband Nolan Bay, Reece Pavelka, Jeff Ubonoske and Josh Rawlinson, Leslie Ubnoske and her boyfriend LJ Chatterson, Rhett Pavelka, and Matthew Pavelka. Marvin is also survived by his sister, Alma Roberts, and in-laws Vera Reed, Patsy Olson, Palmer and Narcy Teichelman, and Molly and Larry Kelinske, along with a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Kurt Rutz on Saturday, January 25, at 1 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 432 Houghton Avenue, Marlin, Texas, 7661, with visitation preceding from 12-1 pm. Following the service, Marvin will be laid to rest through cremation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Lutheran Church in Marlin.

Honorary pallbearers include: Richard Pavelka, Dale Moore, George Moore, Dennis Moore, Ernest Luker, Jerry Reed, Phillip Reed, Gregory Reed, and Jonathon Reed.