Marvin Henry

Marvin N. Henry, Sr., 83, of Topeka, passed away Monday, July 16, 2012 at Midland Hospice House with his family by his side.

He was born July 18, 1928 in Nebraska City, NE, the son of Charles and Iva (Nichols) Henry.

Marvin married Clementine "Tina" Ouellette on August 26, 1948 in Mankato, KS. They shared over 64 years together. She survives. Other survivors include five children, Marvin (Susan) Henry, Jr., Topeka, Calvin (Nancy) Henry, Topeka, Candy (Bob) Shively, Lake Ozark, MO, Cindy (John) Manry, Topeka, Dan (Reenie) Henry, Kansas City, MO; 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Charles Henry and a sister, Erma Sterrett.

Marvin discovered his passion at age 13 when he sold his first car, a 1929 Model A Ford Coupe. In 1949, he was nationally recognized for selling more new Willys Jeeps than any other salesman in the country.

Known as "Poor Marv" he owned Marvin Henry Motor Co., selling over 40,000 cars in the 34 years he operated at four Topeka locations. He was an icon in the auto business, serving as Charter President of the Kansas Used Automobile Association.

Lured back to the car business after retiring in 1986, he worked for North City Sport Car Center, Bozarth Chevrolet, Topeka Nissan and Henry-Richert Cadillac. He's been an inspirational mentor to many car salesmen in the area over the years. Marvin also owned and operated Henry's South 75 Truck and Auto Salvage.

He was an active lifetime member of the Sunrise Optimist Club of North Topeka and Optimist International. He was a Distinguished and Outstanding President in 1972-73. He set the standard for the achievement of this honored position. He was the new club building chairman for the Kansas District, building 20 new Optimist Clubs throughout Kansas. He was instrumental in the initial efforts of fundraising for the Sunrise Optimist Club and Sports Complex.

As an ironworker in his early 20's, he survived a 60 foot fall from the Bellevue Bridge. Marvin once saved a fellow ironworker by reaching out and grabbing him from a similar fall. His most heroic moment was in 1955 when he rescued a family and their cherished belongings from a raging house fire.

During the last year, Marvin enjoyed many new friendships with his move to McCrite Plaza Retirement community. He was blessed with having a wonderful care staff that he loved like family.

Marvin was best known for devotion to his family, hard work, honesty and integrity, sense of humor, salesmanship, community fundraising, and compassion for others. He also enjoyed spending quality time with his family, fishing, card playing, horse racing, country music, and holidays. He considered himself the luckiest man alive.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. Marvin will lie in state after 3 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunrise Optimist Club Youth Activities, P.O Box 8816, Topeka, KS 66608.

To share your memories of Marvin or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Send A Message button above.