Marvin Boyd Ballou was born on July 22, 1960, in Concordia, Kansas, to Richard Marvin Ballou and Doris Maxine Hillebrand Ballou. Descended from pioneer stock, three of his four sets of great-grandparents settled in Ottawa and Cloud Counties during the 1870s. He passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, in Minneapolis
Marvin was raised in the Delphos area and graduated from Minneapolis High School in 1978. He later attended college in Garden City and Concordia, Kansas.
Throughout his life, Marvin worked in a variety of occupations, including police officer, farmer, farm laborer, landscaper, sawmill laborer, and most recently, employee of the Minneapolis Light Plant. He was especially proud of his 18 years in law enforcement, serving the communities of Bennington, Minneapolis, and Delphos. He also dedicated time as an EMT with Minneapolis EMS.
On October 10, 1987, Marvin married Marie V. Goff. Together they shared 38 happy years of marriage. Marie was truly his soulmate, and the two enjoyed traveling together throughout their lives.
Marvin was an avid collector of Ruger firearms and other historical firearms. He enjoyed shooting sports and participated in many competitions over the years. A skilled marksman, he earned top honors in several competitions.
Marvin had a deep love of history, particularly local history and the Plains Indian Wars. His passion led him to co-author two books on the history of Ottawa County. He also worked with the Ottawa County Historical Museum, where he assisted with numerous projects, including conducting interviews with a variety of individuals and organizations to help preserve and document the history of Ottawa County. Marvin presented historical programs and conducted research for authors, historical organizations, and community members interested in the region’s past. Even during his final days, Marvin spoke of the many more books he hoped to write, a testament to his lifelong curiosity, dedication to preserving history, and desire to share knowledge with future generations.
Marvin is survived by his beloved wife, Marie Ballou; his daughter, Megan Ballou; his son, Tanner Ballou; his sisters, Marilyn Heck and Susan Ballou; and a very special great-nephew, Monix Goff-Fisher. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Marvin Ballou and Doris Maxine Hillebrand Ballou; and by his daughter, Jada Ballou.
Marvin will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his love of history, his devotion to family, and the many lives he touched throughout Ottawa County and beyond.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Avenue, Minneapolis, Kansas 67467.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Minneapolis, 418 N. Rock Street, Minneapolis, Kansas 67467. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, 1024 Laurel Street, Minneapolis, Kansas 67467.
Following the burial, the family will host a funeral dinner at the Golden Wheel Senior Center, 114 S. Concord Street, Minneapolis, Kansas 67467. Family and friends are warmly invited and encouraged to attend, share stories, and celebrate Marvin’s life together.
In honor of Marvin and the passions he enjoyed throughout his life, family and friends are encouraged to wear camouflage, shooting sports attire, or other casual outdoor clothing to the visitation on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as a tribute to his love of shooting sports, history, and the outdoors.