Marvin Emshoff

A celebration of life service for Marvin Emshoff, a lifelong resident of Bryan, will be held on Friday, May 1, at Memorial Funeral Chapel. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the service officiated by Brother Mike Williams, pastor of Northview Baptist Church. A private family burial will follow at String Prairie Cemetery.

Marvin was born on October 2, 1936, in Kenny, Texas, to Roland and Nelda Emshoff. His family moved to Bryan on December 7, 1941. Though he was young at the time, Marvin vividly remembered the events of Pearl Harbor.

He attended Bryan schools and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1957, maintaining lifelong friendships with his classmates.

On May 25, 1958, Marvin married Doris Johnson at First Baptist Church in Calvert, Texas. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Marvin began his career in retail, spending many years with Sears Roebuck, and later retired from General Telephone (GTE). After retirement, he and Doris devoted themselves to serving others through their work at Memorial Funeral Chapel, bringing comfort to grieving families. He also served his community as an election judge. Earlier in life, Marvin proudly served in the 386th Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army and National Guard. He was a member of VFW Post 4692 and Brazos Legion Post 159.

Marvin and Doris shared a love of square dancing and were active members of the Circle Squares Dance Club for 35 years. Known for his strong faith, Marvin’s relationship with Jesus Christ was his highest priority. He was a humble servant who worshiped faithfully and was often heard joyfully singing hymns of praise.

Guided by his faith, Marvin placed great importance on his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and “Papa,” known for fixing bikes, dressing up for birthday parties, and enthusiastically cheering at sporting events. He was a friend to all and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 60 years, Doris. He is survived by his daughters, Shelley Emshoff Smith (Mark) of Ropesville, Texas, and Marlisa Emshoff Kennedy (Chris) of Bryan; his grandchildren, Austin Smith (Kimberly) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Taylor Smith (Hayden) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Katelyn Kennedy of Bryan, Keith Kennedy (Morgan) of San Antonio, and Kade Kennedy (Taylor) of Pocatella, Idaho; and his great-grandchildren, Mason Kennedy Sleeper, Whitfield (Whitty) Ada Smith, Stowe Johnson Smith, Jolyne Mae Kennedy, and Evelyn Faye Kennedy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Wedgewood South Assisted Living for providing such a loving and supportive environment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Northview Baptist Church, 1809 Tabor Rd., Bryan, Texas 77803.