Charles Calhoun Marvel, loved family farm
Charles Calhoun Marvel, 94, of Dagsboro passed away at home Friday, July 10, 2020. Charles was born on the family farm and lived there his entire life.
He was predeceased by his brother Elwood C. Marvel and his wife Verda, as well as his son Dana C. Marvel. Charles is survived by his wife of 73 years, Irene Evans Marvel; his son Mark Marvel and his wife Elaine. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jordan Marvel and his wife Phoebe, Eric Tsavdar and his wife Olga, Laurie Tsavdar, Tammy Marvel Ray, her husband Robert, and Donna Irene Atkins. Charles is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Corey Adkins and 6-month-old twins Eliza and Levi Tsavdar.
Charles loved the farm and spent his entire youth hunting, fishing and crabbing. He also loved helping his parents take care of the animals and crops as well as other daily aspects of the farm. He graduated from Lord Baltimore School in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Forster, DE-334 for two years and served in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Charles was very proud of his military service and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
After serving in the Navy, he worked as a carpenter and painter for a few years and worked for Roland Scott’s clothing store for a while which is where he met his future wife, Irene. After that, he began his career in the poultry industry. He began that career at Murray’s Feed Service in Frankford and retired from Cargill after 32 years of service. He also raised chicken and grew corn on his farm for over 40 years.
Charles was a lifelong member of St. George’s United Methodist Church. He attended that church for 94 years. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for over 30 years. Charles loved music all his life and as recently as a few weeks ago, he recorded the song “Why Me Lord?” that was used for one of the recent online church services. Charles loved Big Band music and learned to play the trumpet as a child. He passed his trumpet skills and love of music to his son Mark who continued passing this passion for music to his own children and many other music students throughout his teaching career. Charles Marvel was a kind, compassionate and loving man. He was a wonderful role model to his family and others, and a great influence on many lives in our community. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
There will be a public viewing held at St. George’s United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Friday, July 17, from noon to 2 p.m. Following the viewing, there will be a private service for immediate family members only. Social distancing guidelines will be observed and masks are required for the public viewing and the private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Charles Marvel’s name be sent to St. George’s United Methodist Church Needy Fund, 34281 Omar Road, Frankford, DE 19945.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
