Marvin Tisdale

Marvin Ray Tisdale, much loved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, was called home on Friday, April 28, 2017, at the age of 64. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 PM on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Redeemer Church, 6402 Elgin, Lubbock, Texas.

Marvin was born in Littlefield, Texas on November 28, 1952 to R.L. Tisdale and Thelma Jo Barker Tisdale. He was raised along with his three siblings in Sundown, Texas. Marvin graduated from Sundown High School and shortly after joined the United States Air Force in 1971. He served bravely in the OSI during Vietnam; being awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for Valor.

Following his service in the military, Marvin worked for Harris Data Communications in Dallas Texas, where he met his wife, Debbie. Marvin and Debbie were married on December 20, 1975, in Farmer's Branch, Texas. Marvin and Debbie remained in the Dallas area, where they welcomed two children, first, son, Joshua and later, daddy's little girl, Tara. Marvin served as a leader for Joshua's Boy Scout Troop and mentored other young boys who later became great men.

In 1991, the family moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where Marvin and Debbie welcomed their third child and baby of the family, Amy. Marvin was promoted to manager of technical support at Serono Baker Diagnostics. He traveled the world with his job, enjoying the diverse cultures and people. When Marvin was home, he took his family on vacations and shared his love of camping and hiking. Over the years, out of his dedication to God and his family, Marvin served as a Sunday school teacher and director of the children's ministry.

After retiring, Marvin returned with his family to Sundown, Texas. He loved spending time with his family, watching his children graduate from college, marry their spouses and have children of their own. Marvin continued to serve other men and women at the VA in Lubbock and other regions across Texas. Marvin was a fun-loving Papa, and spent the remainder of his days with his children and grandchildren on the lake in "Papa's boat". Marvin was very proud of his children and enjoyed watching his family grow with every new grandbaby.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father, R.L. Tisdale and mother, Thelma Jo Barker Tisdale.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Debbie of Sundown, Texas; son, Joshua and wife Elena, of Harker Heights, Texas; daughter, Tara and husband Darren Ulrich of Wolfforth, Texas; and daughter, Amy and husband Tom Laney III of Lubbock, Texas; grandchildren: Micah, Caedmon, Evelyn, Thomas, Esperanza, Delilah, Elena, Felix, Natalie and Leo; great-grandchildren: Kinsley and Preston; brother, Linvell Tisdale and wife Judy, sister, Carolyn and husband Wayne Mason, and sister Gwen and husband John Slater, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in Marvin's name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home, (806) 897-1111.

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