Born on June 30, 1931 in Ashland Hospital, Ashland, KS to Melvin & Alene (Williams) Maris.  Marvin departed this life on January 22, 2020 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife of 58 years, children and grandkids present.

Marvin graduated from Protection High School, Protection, KS, with the graduating class of 1949. Marvin was drafted in the United States Marine Corp and served in Korea from 1952 to 1954. He earned 3 Purple Hearts and was Honorably Discharged in 1954.  Marvin moved to the State of Colorado and worked in the logging industry until 1958. He returned to his beloved hometown of Protection, KS in 1958 and begin working for Merle Wait.

Marvin married Betty Jo Fitzwater on February 19, 1961.  To this marriage was born 3 girls and 1 adopted son. Christi, Tammy, Marva Jo, and Michael.

While raising their family, Marvin and Betty Jo became self-employed in the Custom Hay Forage business and raised cattle and horses among other farm animals.  Marvin's love for horses initially begin with raising American Quarter Horses and transitioned to Appaloosa. During these horse raising years, they became interested in cutting horse competition and followed their trained cutting horse to many competitions throughout the Midwest and State of Texas.  Marvin eventually left self-employment industry to work for various employers in the Comanche County area. These included working as a Town Night Marshall, City Employee at the City Light Plant, Bar Six Industries, Filson Mfg., Edmonston Farm's, Protection Valley Manor and his final employer was Convenience Plus Store, bagging ice (aka Ice Man).  After full time retirement, he enjoyed assisting in the raising of the many grandchildren and attending their many social, sporting and musical activities. His family are his pride and joy. Betty Jo and Marvin shared a love for dancing. He enjoyed listening to his wife, kids, grandkids and in-laws love for singing a variety of music (most of all Country music).  His family and many friends of all ages will truly miss his love for the gift of gab and humorous stories at the C+ and Don's Place.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife Betty Jo Maris; daughters: Tammy Lynn Sanders and Marva Jo (Karl) Mosshart of Protection, KS; son: Michael (Frankie) Maris of St. Charles, MO; son-in-law Theron Peterson of Protection, KS; his six grandkids: Chelsie (Clint) Monroe of Protection, KS, Michael (Katelyn) Mosshart, and Samuel Mosshart of Hays, KS, Jordan (Lindsey) Sanders of Aurora, CO, Aaron (Kim) Walker and Preston Maris of St. Charles, MO; four great-granddaughters: Tory Maris and Gracyn Monroe of Protection, KS and Everly and Raylie Mosshart of Hays, KS; sister: Marge Sangster of Protection, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws (and out-laws).

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Christi Ann Peterson; sisters: Melba Harmon, Mary Jo Maris, Anne Loesch; brother: Merle Maris; and son-in-law: Michael Sanders.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 26, 2020 (Family Will Greet Friends From 5-7 p.m.) at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral service is at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 27 ^, 2020, at the United Methodist Church in Protection, KS, with Pastor Wayne Stephens presiding. Interment will follow at Protection Cemetery, Protection, KS, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marvin's name may be made to the Kansas Honor Flight, Inc. in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.