Marvin Otis Wrinkle

Marvin was born on August 26, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Walter Otis Wrinkle and Willie Mae Byrne Wrinkle. He was one of four siblings: his brother, Winston Burran Wrinkle and wife, Betty, of Big Spring, Texas, who preceded him in death; his brother, Vernon Charles Wrinkle and wife, Linda, of Mansfield, Texas; and his sister, Marlita Ruth Wrinkle Adkins and husband, Bobby Don (deceased), of Duncanville, Texas.

In 1955, at the age of 12, Marvin and his family moved to Duncanville, Texas, where he would soon meet the love of his life, Mary Lou Deason, at First Assembly of God. Marvin and Mary were high school sweethearts and were blessed with 61 years of marriage—a faithful, joy-filled union marked by love, laughter, and shared purpose.

Marvin is survived by his two daughters: Amy Christina Wrinkle Magee and husband, Kirk, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Angie Caroline Wrinkle Maraggia and husband, Darrell, of Gun Barrel City, Texas. He leaves behind four grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy: Jordan Maraggia and wife, Kristina, of Forney, Texas; Meredith Magee Unger and husband, Nathan, of Ocoee, Florida; Marissa Maraggia Stokes and wife, Jennifer, of Athens, Texas; and Samuel Magee and fiancée, Joshna Pokharel, of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Marvin graduated from Duncanville High School in 1961 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Arlington State College (now UTA) in 1965. He later completed his Master’s degree in Counseling at North Texas State University (now UNT) in 1971 and pursued doctoral studies in Guidance with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Texas A&M University–Commerce, completing all but his dissertation.

A gifted educator and compassionate counselor, Marvin began his career as a teacher and coach in DeSoto ISD. Over the course of 33 years, he faithfully served students, families, and colleagues, retiring as a counselor in 1996. Marvin and Mary moved to Cedar Creek Lake area in retirement and he continued his calling to help others by working at the Henderson County HELP Center in Athens, Texas, until fully retiring in 2009. His later years were spent enjoying travels with Mary and celebrating the lives and accomplishments of his grandchildren.

Marvin had a deep passion for mentoring others—through education, ministry, and personal relationships. He was a beloved coach, counselor, Royal Rangers leader, and pastor, but most importantly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather (“Poppy”), and uncle. His life's mission was to sow seeds of faith and to see people- especially his family - be transformed by a relationship with Jesus Christ.

While in education, Marvin sponsored Fellowship of Christian Athletes and helped establish a campus prayer group at DeSoto High School. Throughout his life, he served faithfully in his church as a small group leader, board member, prayer team member, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, Freedom Ministry teacher, and teaching pastor. He loved supporting missionaries and ministries that encouraged people to grow in their faith.

Though he didn’t claim hobbies, Marvin found joy in simple acts of service and fellowship. After retiring from coaching in 1973, he continued serving his DeSoto Eagles community by running the clock at football and basketball games. In recent years, his favorite time of the week was Saturday morning men’s Bible study, where he found deep encouragement and connection. His brothers in Christ stood faithfully by him during his illness, and their prayers meant the world to him.

Marvin was a student of Scripture and a man of prayer. He was known for offering immediate, heartfelt prayers over anyone who shared a burden with him, and he faithfully lifted up friends and loved ones during his quiet early morning hours with the Lord. His words of encouragement, his texts filled with scripture, and his unshakable faith brought comfort to many. The absence of those prayers and spiritual insights will be deeply felt.

Among his favorite scriptures were:

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Isaiah 49:24–25 – “Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives rescued from the fierce? But this is what the Lord says: ‘Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.’”

A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at Life Fellowship Church in Athens, Texas, on Tuesday, April 22nd at 2:00 p.m., with visitation and viewing beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Eubank Cedar Creek Memorial Park in Mabank, Texas.