Marvin Kaplan, 87, a man of character, integrity, kindness and love peacefully passed away on February 23, 2021. A native Houstonian, Marvin quietly dedicated his life to creating a stronger community through both his professional and personal life. With a cheeky grin on his face, he greeted everyone by name and made them feel special. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa and friend to all.
Marvin was born on June 8, 1933 and was the youngest son of Mollie and Louis Kaplan. After graduating San Jacinto High School, he began his college education at The University of Texas in Austin before being drafted into the Army. He returned to his roots and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston.
After many years of pursuing, Marvin was finally able to catch the love of his life, Joan Erlich, and they were married on November 10, 1956. Their beautiful 64-year relationship was full of adventures, laughter, fun, friends and family.
When not at home with his three children, Marvin would find himself surrounded by his work family. He helped build the family business, Palais Royal, from a single retail store in downtown Houston to a regional powerhouse serving Southeast Texas. After joining the business at 23 as a buyer and store manager, Marvin made his way up the company ladder to become the Chief Financial Officer. Increasing his responsibilities never changed his approachable demeanor and desire to treat people with respect.
Even with his busy schedule, Marvin always found time for fun. From Poker nights with the boys to teeing off on the golf course to enjoying a love/hate relationship with all Houston sports teams, adventures with him were full of laughter. Marvin lived life to the fullest. He and Joan traveled the world, enjoyed breathtaking art and music and relished the time spent in their favorite place other than home, Vail, Colorado.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan and their children, Karen Brooks and her husband Roy, Susan Bruch, Rick Kaplan and his wife Debbie. He was lovingly known as “Papa” by his seven grandchildren, Harris Brooks, Emily Singletary and her husband Taft, Sarah Brooks, Ford Bruch, Brooke Kaplan, Jordan Kaplan and Michael Kaplan. He was the proud great-grandfather to Sloane Singletary. He will also be remembered by his brother Jerry Kaplan and his extended family.
Marvin’s quiet philanthropic efforts touched the Houston community in many ways. He gave generously without recognition to causes that were beneficial to the medical, education, arts and Jewish communities of Houston. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Holocaust Museum Houston, Marvin and Joan Kaplan Recruiting Scholarship Endowment at the University of Houston, the Kaplan Theatre Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC or an organization of your choice.
The graveside service was held on Friday, February 26 at Beth Israel Memorial Garden. A recording of the service can be viewed on The Levy Funeral Directors Page on Facebook.
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