Marvin Lewis Crenshaw

Marvin Crenshaw was born in Custer, Kentucky on August 18, 1934 and passed away on January 4, 2022 at home in La Jolla, CA. He spent his youth in Kentucky, living in Breckinridge, Barren, Green, and Taylor counties. In 1952 he graduated from Taylor County High School. In 1954 he married Carolyn Gardner; the love of his life.

He served in the US Army in 1959 and 1960. Stationed in Germany with a tank battalion, he began to study German and developed his interest in foreign languages.

After service, he enrolled in Western Kentucky University and graduated in 1961. He taught foreign language in the US Military Dependents School at Fort Knox, Kentucky for 2 years. Then he and his wife moved to Ocean Beach in San Diego, CA in 1964.

Marvin taught French, German, English, and Math in San Diego City Schools for 25 years, primarily at Pacific Beach Junior High. He earned his master’s degree from San Diego State University in 1978.

Marvin loved to sail his Hobi catamaran and snow ski. He and his wife hiked on summer vacations in the Cascades and Sierras. They shared a passion for nature and animals; rescuing many birds, rabbits, cats and dogs. They shared their home and lives with them. They travelled extensively with them in their motor home. Last year, they established the Gardner Crenshaw Foundation for pets and their People to carry on their work to promote the wellness of animals.

Marvin was an excellent carpenter, plumber, mechanic and landscaper. He bought and remodeled several homes in the beach communities in San Diego County. Up into his 80’s, he still managed his rental properties. He is predeceased by his father Gilbert and his sister Edna Pace. He is survived by his wife Carolyn and many nieces, and nephews in Kentucky, Alabama and Florida.

Everyone liked Marvin, he had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke or a witty remark. He will be missed by many. Bon Voyage, Marvin!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificbeachchapel.com for the Crenshaw family.