Marvin Alan Howard Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Marvin Alan Howard, our goofball of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was 73 years old. Per Marvin’s wishes, cremation will take place with a celebration of life to follow Thursday, October 7th, from 2-4pm at the Mecosta “The Village” Free Methodist Church with Ken Todd overseeing. In order to best celebrate Marvin’s life, family asks that those planning to attend wear their Michigan State or camouflage gear. Although he was born April 26, 1948, Fall has always been Marvin’s favorite season, mainly because it’s hunting season. So it’s fitting that he made it upstairs just in time for opening day this year. It is said that spotting Marvin somewhere other than in the woods in the fall, was a rare occurrence; and in March, to find him anywhere other than in front of the T.V. watching March Madness, and of course rooting for the Spartans, was also a rare occurrence. His love for outdoors and the Spartans ran deep, but his love for his family was simply immeasurable. Marvin rarely missed a single school play or ball game for his children and grandchildren, nor did he ever miss the birth of a grandchild or great-grandchild. He had a special place in his heart for babies and toddlers, and was often referred to as the baby whisperer. He fed them, changed them, and loved them, even if they weren’t one of his own. His loving and giving personality led him to be the greatest grandpa, even to those that weren’t actually blood relatives. April Fools Day was Marvin‘s favorite “holiday” of the year. He strategically planned out jokes and pranks, which friends and family were always the victims of. When he wasn’t busy hunting, or playing pranks on unsuspecting people, Marvin was out fishing. He would spend all day catching enough fish to put on a fish fry for his entire family. In earlier years, he and his wife, Kathy, would host a pig roast for their family and friends to come together and enjoy each year. Left to cherish his warm memory are his wife of almost 50 years, Kathryn Howard; children, Lori Howard, Adam Howard, and Kasi Howard; brothers, Michael and Edward (Dorothy) Howard; sister, Nancy Bell; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others who considered him to be grandpa. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Finley) Howard; sister, Mary Jane; brothers, John and Richard Howard, and infant twin sisters. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids at www.spectrumhealth.org/foundation.

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Marvin Alan Howard

April 26, 1948 - September 30, 2021