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Marvin Dean Nelson, age 84, died on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was a retired United Methodist Minister with 65 years of faithful service to several churches throughout Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife Kaye Dene Nelson; his son Doug Nelson and his wife Kayce, Catoosa, OK; daughter Mary Beth Ziba and her husband Rob, Oklahoma City, OK; daughter Kylie Goering and husband Ryan, Moundridge, KS; son Matthew Irving and wife Sharee, Asher, OK; and son-in-law Glenn Marsh, Pond Creek, OK; sister Alberta Peters; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Katherine Marsh; his parents Clarence and Clara Mae Nelson; brothers and sisters.
On January 8, 1953 in an old dormitory at Oklahoma City University, Marvin accepted Jesus Christ’s eternal love into his life. In 1957, he graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Arts, graduated from Phillips University on May 13th, 1962, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 1999 from OCU. He earned the Office of Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1962. During his 65 years of active ministry he served many churches throughout the state including Mayfair Heights UMC, Guthrie First UMC, New Covenant UMC, Hunter UMC, Cushing UMC, Cremlin UMC, & St. John’s UMC. He served as a District Superintendent for the Woodward District and he served as a Corporate Chaplain for John Vance Auto Group for a number of years.
His special talent was mentoring young people going into the ministry and was always available to assist those in need. He was generous with his time, his talent, and his love for his fellow men and women.
The family wishes to express gratitude and thanks to Frontier Hospice and all who tended to Marvin in his final days. Your kindness and generosity were above and beyond expectations.
His life celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 at 1:00 pm, New Covenant United Methodist Church, 2700 S. Boulevard, Edmond, OK 73013. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have memorials made to either Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church, 3131 NW 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112; Frontier Hospice, 221 N Service RD. Suite D, Moore, OK 73160; or to the Marvin and Kaye Nelson Ministry Scholarship Fund at Oklahoma City University, at the United Methodist Foundation in Oklahoma City, OK.
Becky Strawhand says
My dear Uncle Marvin, what an example you were to all of us! I will miss our calls and phone visits, along with the fact that I was your favorite niece ♡ Heaven celebrated the day you arrived, as the rest of us shed tears in memory♡ I offer peace that passes all understanding to Kay, Doug and Mary Beth…hugs and kisses♡
Kathy & Jerry Sanders, Dallas says
Sweet Kaye and kids,
Marvin was a huge force in our Christian journeys as teens at Mayfair UMC. He watched and counseled as Jerry and I dated and we were blessed to have him officiate at our wedding. And then to have him as practically family was a bonus, because we always heard what was happening in your lives and what our sweet Marvin was up to. I am sure our Lord greeted him with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We send our love and blessings to all of you as you say goodbye on Tuesday and in the coming days, months, and years as you grieve this great loss.
Lou, Gary Schooley and family says
Dear Kaye Dene, so sorry to hear about Marvin, I enjoyed talking to him when we got together. He will be missed. He was a great cousin. We send our love to you and the family as you say goodbye to a blessed man.
Howard White says
Reverend Nelson, a humble man of God. Marvin always bragged that my wife Barbara was his 1st President of the MYF at Cameron College in Lawton where he also square danced with her parents back in the 1960s. I will never forget my several visits with him in his overalls when he was managing the grain elevator at Hunter, OK. He married our oldest daughter Jamie to Tom Levescy at Mayfair Heights UMC. Marvin also remarried Barbara and me after I struggled through some hard times due to my personal involvement at the Murrah Building immediately after the bombing. Marvin had me speak at both New Covenant and Mayfair Heights on the function of the “Jesus Nut” on helicopters. When Barbara got Alzheimer’s he visited us many times & graciously brought Communion to our home. Marvin was a part of our family and much loved by so many that will sorely miss him. Howard White
Mary Kraus says
Marvin was one of the sweetest human beings that lived. He played such a positive role in so many lives in the Pond Creek-Hunter community. Many wonderful memories of our children growing up together! Tom is having hip surgery on Tuesday so will miss the service.
Barbara McDaniel says
Rest In Peace, Marvin. You will always be remembered for your unwavering faith, you love of others and your sweet sense of humor.
Amy Perez--Great Niece--Granddaughter of Don and Peggy Nelson says
My dearest Uncle marvin:
I have never met anybody as caring, thoughtful and closer to God. Unfortunately the only times I got to see him was during his commencing of the funeral services for my mamaw and grandad and my uncle Ricky. My heart breaks for all his closest friends and family and I am truly heartbroken for those who never got to meet such a wonderful wonderful soul. He was and will always be so admired. I could only dream too have the love and compassion he had for all who was lucky enough to cross his path. He will forever live on in the wisdom and thoughtful words he shared not only through his ministry but his everyday life. He’s now with the others who passed before him and I know he’s walking along side our Almighty God on streets of gold I’m sure still sharing his find words of wisdom. Knowing where he is brings much comfort. There is no other like Uncle Marvin. May God comfort us all in our grieving but he’s with His maker now and that’s what he’s always strived and lived for. We will always love you and you will be deeply missed!
Joyce And Dan Fales says
Marvin was a favorite of the Kremlin ministers. We loved Kaye and Marvin. Joyce and Dan Fales
Mary Beth Ziba says
dearest daddy….I love you so much….I have to figure out how to go on without you…..you have been everything to me for 52 years…..I love you so much…RIP daddy
Robert&Pam Nelson Wyatt says
I think I can say without a doubt, I’ve never seen my Uncle Marvin in a bad mood. He was the happiest kindness person I have ever met. He always had a message of hope to anyone he came across that was having a hard time dealing with life. We will miss him. I’m sure it took him awhile to collect all his crowns and rewards he had stored up in heaven. We love you Uncle Marvin and we will miss you til we meet again when we go home.
Patty & Monty Lorenz says
There are no perfect words to describe Marvin. He was a genuine man with godly purpose. Every time you came in contact with Marvin no matter where it was he treated you the same. He will missed immensely but they are waiting for him at the pearly gates.
Debbie Winters says
I met this wonderful man when I was 9 years old at St. Paul’s UMC in Lawton, Ok. Then again in 2012 at Mayfair Heights. He was a mentor in my youth and a very good friend in my later years. He will be greatly missed. I will miss the phone calls he gave to me when I needed them them the most. Kaye and family, my prayers and condolences are with you. I wish I could be there, but I am having a chemo treatment. I will be thinking of all of you and it hurts my heart that he is no longer with us. But he is with our Lord and Savior and will be waiting for us all.
Richard and Rae Winzeler says
Marvin held a special place in our family’s hearts . He was a dear friend. We will miss him.
Debbie Fleming says
Many years of memories and early morning chats over coffee at the lake house with Marvin. These are just a small part of our relationship as sister and brother-in-law.
Conversations with this man were always interesting and enlightening. He taught me many things about God, the Bible, Grace and peace in those early morning hours over coffee. I already miss those moments with him.
Rest In Peace Marvin and don’t forget to ask Jesus all those questions we talked about.
I love you and miss you.
Deb
Dane Lemmons says
I was so sorry to hear that Marvin passed away. He was an awesome man and a great DS and friend to me. His smile and wonderful words will be greatly missed. I am praying for Kaye and the Rest of the family.
Dwayne L Gobin II says
Uncle Marvin Dean, was a very Godly Man in my opinion. I met him a few different times under unusual and unexpected circumstances. I had a chance to share the responsibilities over the memorial services of a very close relative, with Uncle Marvin. Both Marvin and and his half-brother, Wilbert, had been an influence on my own life and calling. I know Uncle Marvin is with Jesus, along with the many people whom he led to Christ.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Hale says
Marvin was my first D.S. and the best, as far as I am concerned. He continued to be a mentor to me in many ways over the years. I will miss him and I will be praying for you Kaye and all who mourn his passing.
Love Always,
Stephen Hale
Stephen Scott says
He was my favorite of all the District Superintendents. He was a pastor to pastors, supportive, and he was always positive. I will truly miss him.
Leona Wynne says
Dear Kaye- Marvin was so special to each of us in our family. Judith Roberson talked us into going to Mayfair Heights to meet the new minister- she knew Marvin and Dick would connect and they did. Marvin kept us busy and we loved him.
Dick has been gone almost 20 years and it’s hard to believe but I know and I feel he watches over us.
My prayers are with you and the memories of Marvin.
Edith Happ Kenney says
Dear Nelson family,
I was saddened to hear of Marvin’s death. When I was in 9th grade I started attending Mayfair Heights Methodist. My parents were members of a different denomination. Marvin came to the house to meet them and reassure them that I would be welcome. My parents gave their “blessing” and I attended that church until I went to college. I was so grateful to be embraced by such a caring community. Marvin was a true servant of God. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate his life. He touched the hearts of many people. I feel blessed to have known him. Edith Happ Kenney
Melodie Toland says
Dear Nelson family,
Marvin never abandoned the lost or hopeless. At a time when my husband, Don, felt the conference had totally abandoned him, Marvin found a place for him to serve until his health ended his ministry. I will always hold him close to my heart for that act of grace. May God grant you peace and respite from the emptiness you havevin your hearts.
Pastor Adrian and Ramonda Pollard says
Marvin was a true man of God. I saw the image of Christ in Marvin the first time I met him at FUMC Guthrie and we joined that fellowship shortly afterwards. His encouragement led me into ministry and his ongoing support never failed. Ramonda and I truly loved Marvin and we will miss his love, smile, voice, and Godly presence. We thank God for the blessing he was in our lives. Surely, God has welcomed this faithful follower and he is dwelling the the house of the Lord forever! To Kaye Dean and family, Marvin had a love that knew no bounds and we are sincerely praying for you as you go through this time. Pastor Adrian and Ramonda Pollard.
Pam And Otis Hughen says
We had hoped to make the service today but were not able to. I feel such a closeness to your family. May the peace of God be on you all. I am sure once Marvin got a glimpse of heaven he was ready to go. Sending love and hugs.
Karen Bell says
Dear Kaye, So sorry to hear of Marvin’s passing. I always enjoyed his speaking. He was such an inspiration to me. He was such a positive person. He helped our church during a very difficult time. My love and prayers to you and your family. Karen Bell
Jim Yates says
Kaye-
So sorry to learn of Marvins passing. I wish you the best. I trust Deb, and Susie are all well. Always my sisters.
Jim-