Marvin McGrew

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Marvin McGrew, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for those who were special to him. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others in whatever ways he could. There was nothing that brought Marvin greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, and no matter how simple or brief the moments, each one was cherished. His smiles were a valuable gift that made the world a little brighter, and he was a powerful role model of faith and generosity for all who looked up to him. Already greatly missed, Marvin will be forever loved and remembered.

The late 1930s were tumultuous years all around the globe. Tensions surrounding WWII continued to rise overseas, and here at home in the United States, the Great Depression still cast a heavy shadow over the country. Amid such a dark time, it was important to find happiness in everyday life, like in the release of the first Disney Princess film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of Lester and Patsy McGrew as they awaited the arrival of their second child. It was on the day after Christmas of 1938 that Lester and Patsy announced the birth of their baby boy. Marvin joined his older brother, Victor, in the McGrew family. He eventually became an older brother himself as the family grew to include five more children, Sylvia, Joseph, Marianne, Michael, and James.

Growing up, Marvin was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Detroit, Michigan. Though the McGrew siblings weren’t very close since they were so far apart in age, they were always there for each other in the moments where it mattered most. Marvin’s father, Lester, worked to support the family while his mother, Patsy, was a dedicated homemaker. Throughout his childhood, Marvin enjoyed fishing in his free time. He ran a local paper route and worked with his brother in logging as well.

In 1957, Marvin followed the call to serve his country and began his service in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he toured in Okinawa, and while they were on leave back home they went to a social club, were Marvin was blessed to meet the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Virginia “Ginger” Sheldon, and though all the guys were smitten with her, she only had eyes for Marvin. As their relationship blossomed, the two fell head over heels in love, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Marvin and Ginger were married on April 16, 1962.

Throughout their years together, Marvin loved nothing more than to make Ginger happy. They enjoyed traveling, often to visit memorials, and they savored every moment spent with their church family at Green Meadow Baptist Church. Marvin was always willing to jump in and lend a helping hand where he could, and he especially loved attending the church get-togethers and potlucks. At home, both Marvin and Ginger thrived in the kitchen. They prided themselves on their five-acre garden, growing all kinds of vegetables and grapes for their homemade wines and jams, and they loved living off the land.

More than anything, Marvin and Ginger were overjoyed to become parents to their beloved children. Marvin could be a tough father, but his children were truly his greatest source of happiness. He worked hard in his career at General Motors in order to provide for his family, working in tool and die as well as CAD/CAM. Holidays were always spent with family.

Later in life, Marvin was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather as well. He adored his grandchildren, and he had many fond memories of buying Swan’s ice cream and making root beer floats with the kids. Marvin had such a positive influence in the lives of those who looked up to him. One of his granddaughters even followed in his footsteps and joined the Marines. Marvin considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

In his free time, Marvin found great contentment in the simple joys of life. He loved fly fishing with his friends in Alaska and hunting up north with his brothers. Marvin would often go to see operas at the theater. Even though he used to claim to hate cats, he had 12 cats living with him in recent times. An all-around animal lover, Marvin took excellent care of his dogs as well. He always went out of his way to find a good deal, though his grocery trips were often stalled to chat with buddies from the Marines.

All who knew Marvin McGrew will surely agree that he was a shining example of hard work and service to others. He was a natural leader who was never afraid to speak his mind, and as a steady source of support and guidance, he always had a piece of advice to offer. A devoted family man, Marvin treasured each moment spent with his loved ones. His giving spirit has left an unforgettable impact on so many in his church and his community. Although he is already so greatly missed, Marvin leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and family members will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Marvin McGrew of Kalamazoo, age 87, died on February 19, 2026. Marvin is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years: Virginia “Ginger” McGrew and his children: Sue Ellen Melbow; Lee Ann Joy McGrew (baby), Daniel McGrew (baby) and Colleen Hodge (baby); his siblings: James McGrew, Victor (Carol) McGrew, and Sylvia (Bill) Elmer. Surviving are his daughter: Kathleen (Mike) Mott; four grandchildren: Renee (Jeremiah) Roe, Rande Reichenbach, Brenton (Allison Steimman) Reichenbach and Cody (April) Melbow; great-grandchildren: Jayden, Brooklyn, Abbygail, Grace, Tina, Robert, Jason, Mia and Charlie; and his siblings: Joe (Sharon) McGrew, Maryan (Dave) Polhamus and Michael (Debby) McGrew.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Thursday, March 5, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Private burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Celebrate Marvin’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Kathy Mott.