Marvin Kerns Long

Monday, January 21, 2013

Marvin Kerns Long, 88, of Greencastle, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013.

He was born Nov. 6, 1924 in Danville, Ill., the son of Marvin E. Long and Bertha Kerns Long.

Marvin attended Danville (Ill.) High School, graduating in 1944.

Marvin was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved playing the game in his youth. In 1943, prior to being drafted into World War II, Marvin tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals farm team. He was honorably discharged from the Army on July 2, 1945.

On April 6, 1946, Marvin married Catherine Spangler. They were married 67 years, and Catherine survives.

Also surviving are their three daughters, Mary Margaret Roberson and husband, Earl of Danville, Ill., Lisa Bishop of Greencastle, and Melanie Gibbs and husband Ron of Greencastle; a sister, Margaret Ward of Danville, Ill.; and one niece. Marvin and Catherine were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Marvin had various jobs prior to entering the restaurant business. He purchased George's Pizza in 1971. In 1973 he purchased Toppers Pizza, which later became the infamous Marvin's. In 1991 he sold the business and retired.

Marvin enjoyed reading, history and trivial pursuit. His loves were his family, friends, Chicago Cubs and DePauw University.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, Greencastle. Interment will follow at Brick Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations on Marvin's behalf may be made to the DePauw University Athletic Department or the VFW.

Friends are encouraged to bring written memories of Marvin to add to his memory book at the service.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.