MSG (Ret.) Marvin Clark Gillenwaters Sr., age 88, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Marvin was born in Lafayette, Alabama. Marvin was born October 22nd, 1935, in Layfette Alabama.
Marvin was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. In Germany he met the love of his life, Irmgard Gillenwaters, while he was in the Army, and they wed in 1957, going on to have five children, Neal, Sylvia, Sheila, Regina, and Clark. Marvin served his country in the military for over 27 years, earning both a bronze star and purple heart.
As he got older his determination he carried as a military man carried into his life, he always gave 200 percent in anything he done. Having both a partial and full hip replacement, he did not let that get him down and continued everyday working on getting stronger to get ready for his fishing trip. He enjoyed fishing and his family had many fish fries, and the best coleslaw no one can make it like Marvin. He could also make the best ham, always being the biggest hit at family gatherings or family reunions.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, always making sure when one of his children would take him to the doctors or dentist, he was always beaming with a big smile to let them know this is my daughter or son, or my grandkids or great grandchildren. He had a humor about him, saying things that would make you laugh. He sometimes was a quiet man or sometimes he would talk to you about everything and anything.
He is preceded in death by two of his children, Sheila Gillenwaters and Neal Gillenwaters and his beautiful wife Irmgard Gillenwaters.
He is survived by his daughter Sylvia (Shane) Deyo and Regina Lynn, and his son Marvin Clark (Melanie) Gillenwaters Jr.; Grandsons, Joshua (Jessica) Gillenwaters, David (Leeia) Lynn, Shea Gillenwaters, Taylor Gillenwaters, Neal Gillenwaters Jr.; Granddaughters Lisa (David) Fuller and Dana Card. Many great grandchildren loved him dearly. Marvin will truly be missed by his family and friends.
A few days ago, Marvin was caught dancing in his bedroom, shaking his bootie, dancing to a song on the tv that him and his wife Irma would dance to. His daughter Gina caught him, he made sure to tell his daughter Sylvia “Did Gina tell you I was dancing, I was doing good”. He is now in heaven still doing his dance but this time his dance partner is with him, his wife Irma.
A visitation for family and friends for Marvin will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Marvin will be laid to rest in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907-2211.
