Marvin Dale McCall, 87, of Hattieville, Arkansas, died peacefully in his home on April 27, 2023. Marvin was born May 6, 1935, in Saline County, Kansas. Being the son of a farmer, he grew up learning the value of hard work, resilience, and strong family values. After graduating high school, Marvin served in the United States Army for 2 years. Upon his return to Kansas, he decided to meet up with an old friend one weekend where he met his friend’s little sister, Donna Clare Rieth, and quickly fell in love. Marvin and Donna were married on May 6, 1961. They settled down in Salina, Kansas and started their family. Marvin went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and after several years moved the family to Lawrence, Kansas. For the next 25 years, Marvin and Donna raised four children, instilling in them a strong faith in God, the value of family, hard work, and togetherness. And, of course, a love for the Kansas Jayhawks! In 1964, Marvin became a season ticket holder for KU men’s basketball and would continue to for the next 27 years. If Donna wasn’t able to attend a game, then one lucky child would get to tag along with their dad. Marvin also developed a strong relationship with God and surprised the family in 1970 by converting to Catholicism. Several years later, Marvin and Donna strengthened their bond even more by joining Marriage Encounter. There, they became acquainted with many other couples and developed lifelong friendships for both themselves and for their children. In 1991, Marvin retired from SWB and made the decision to move to Hattieville, Arkansas where he started his second career following in his father’s footsteps of raising cattle. Once again, enjoying farm life and a slower pace, Marvin quickly adapted to Arkansas. Not one to ever meet a stranger, his friendly smile, giving nature, and willingness to sit down and enjoy a cold one helped him make quite a few friends.
He also became a part-time bus driver at Wonderview School for several years. In his spare time, Marvin enjoyed traveling and exploring. Whether it was taking his family on road trips across the country, or later in life traveling with Donna to other countries around the world. Sometimes it might only be a weekend camping in a new spot. Marvin was also known as a bit of a prankster. He loved to tease. Usually dripping with sarcasm and an ornery glint in his eye, he could usually get a smile out of most and maybe swung at by a few others. Marvin also had a very giving nature. He was always willing to lend a hand to others. Volunteering through church organizations like the Knights of Columbus and the Cattleman’s Association, helping his fellow parishioners and neighbors, Marvin wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty or break a sweat. Marvin loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren and enjoyed teaching them how to fish and “play games.”
He is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth; father, Vernon; brother, Erland; sister, Janice; grandson, Eryk; and great-granddaughter. Leah
He is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Trecia, Deanna, Rodney, and Elizabeth; 7 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral mass was at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Vincent, Arkansas with Father Jack Harris officiating.
Burial will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 3rd at Crown Point Cemetery in Culver, Kansas.