Marvin Lee Goad
Age 82, of DeWitt, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2020. Marv was born on February 9, 1938, in Trumann, Arkansas, to Dora and Ira Goad, who preceded him in death.
Marv was a graduate of Michigan State University with a BS degree in Biology and master’s degrees in Entomology, School Administration, and Science teaching. He taught in the Jackson Public School for 34 years serving as science coordinator for elementary education for 17 years and as principal at six different elementary schools in Jackson for 17 years. Marv also taught science on Michigan Classroom Television at Michigan State University for 9 years concurrently while serving as science coordinator in Jackson.
Marv’s hobbies included hunting and fishing and taxidermy. He actively pursued taxidermy for 67 years, starting at age 16. He thoroughly enjoyed the creativity of taxidermy and the satisfaction of his customers at seeing their completed trophy animal or bird mounts. Marv also enjoyed traveling especially on hunting trips in the U.S. and other continents. Marv and his wife were avid MSU Basketball fans, both men’s and women’s basketball, and held season tickets for Men’s Basketball since 1980 and for Women’s Basketball for a number of years.
Marv will be remembered for his generosity, for his sense of humor and ability to remember and tell jokes, for his frankness, and for his love for his family. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Doris of 56 years, his children, Jeffrey and Matthew, and the loves of his life, granddaughters Hannah and Shelby. He is also survived by sisters Dorothy (Doug) Richey and Marlene (Wayne) Denison, sister-in-law Carole Goad, former daughter-in-law Sarah, and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill and his beloved nephew Dan Richey.
The family wishes to thank the outstanding cardiology team at the University of Michigan, especially Dr. Ferrahi and Dr. Pagani, for their care and compassion over the past several years.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Redeemer United Methodist Church, 13980 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited, the National Audubon Society, or to MSU Women’s Basketball c/o the Spartan Fund, 1855 Place, 550 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.
27 Messages to “Marvin Lee Goad”
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Kathy Mace
July 21, 2020 at 8:16 amDoris,
I’m so sad to hear this news. I will miss Marv at women’s basketball. His smile and humor. Prayers to you and your family.
Jan Mace
July 21, 2020 at 8:40 amDear Doris,
I am so saddened to read of Marv’s death. What fun times we had at Women’s Basketball.
I know, from experience, that family and many happy memories will sustain you in the days ahead.
Go Green,
Jan Mace
Don little
July 21, 2020 at 9:46 amDoris – Very sorry for the passing of Our friend. He will be missed in our heart and lunches!
ROBERT W HOWELL
July 21, 2020 at 10:06 amMarv you will be so greatly missed. I cant wish anything but the most sincerest deepest condolences to your family. While I didnt get a chance to learn the any taxidermy basics from you, but the life lessons from our evening talks are beyond cherished and hope I can pass some of the wisdom you’ve given me down to Ryan. Life, outdoors, and friends, time cant be replaced, thanks for the memories! Nothing better than being the one who shared the 2015 Michigan State upset over Michigan with the fumble for a TD. Rest easy my friend, life wont be the same, but I’ll join you when my time comes!
Ron Morris
July 21, 2020 at 10:42 amDoris,
So sorry to hear of Marv’s passing. He was a great guy. Over the years I enjoyed talking with him while he was working on my deer, duck and turkey mounts. He will be missed! Condolences to you and your family.
Lori Nelson Spielman
July 21, 2020 at 11:38 amDoris, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Marv. His humor and generous spirit were a gift to all who knew him. May happy memories bring you and your family comfort and peace.
Anna May
July 21, 2020 at 1:53 pm“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an endelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”
Author unknown
David Bruce
July 21, 2020 at 9:04 pmMy mother, Margaret Bruce, taught for Marv at McCulloch School in Jackson. She so enjoyed working for him that she extended her planned retirement for one year beyond her original planned date! He was a gem to many, and his life positively impacted so many lives, mine included. I remember, as a student in Jackson some sixty years ago, watching Marv on TV science. What a novel concept to teach in this venue that impacted so many people! Peace to your entire family and to Marv’s memory.
Sue Schaffer
July 22, 2020 at 9:04 amWhen I think about my teaching experience at Jackson Public Schools, the first name that comes to mInd is Marv. Not only was he an excellent leader, but he was fair to everyone, loved the kids and made you feel special. His personality was outgoing and interesting. I loved having him stop by my classroom, always with a smile, and usually with words of wisdom and something funny to make my day. He was an interesting guy who had a lot of talents. I will miss him and am sincerely sorry for Doris and his family. Rest In Peace, Marv.
Sue Schaffer
July 22, 2020 at 12:22 pmWhen I think about my teaching experience at Jackson Public Schools, the first name that comes to mInd is Marv. Not only was he an excellent leader, but he was fair to everyone, loved the kids and made you feel special. His personality was outgoing and interesting. I loved having him stop by my classroom, always with a smile, and usually with words of wisdom and something funny to make my day. He was an interesting guy who had a lot of talents. I will miss him and am sincerely sorry for Doris. . Rest In Peace, Marv.
Dave Reinhart
July 22, 2020 at 12:39 pmI was fortunate to have Marv as a friend. His knowledge and love of the many creatures of the earth included animals and birds that few of us know as well humans of every age, ability, color or beliefs. He was kind and wise and truly a magnificent teacher. Marv was a voice to and for all. His story telling abilities were incredible. All that experienced his friendship are better for it. I will see you each time I see a bird I know or do not know. We all will miss you Marv. Dave Reinhart
Liz Raduazo
July 22, 2020 at 1:46 pmMarv was my friend, colleague, principal and mentor. He was truly “one of a kind.” I met Marv in 1981 when he was principal of Wilson School where my daughter was in the first grade. We hit it off right away because I was a science teacher and we had much to share. I was thrilled when he eventually came to be the principal of Frost School, where I was teaching fifth grade. He was a force in my life as a teacher. We did field trips together with my classes in Waterloo and he joined me often in my classroom. He knew the native birds not just by sight, but by call. His masters degree was in entomology and he would take my class out to the playground to find the Cicada Killers and other interesting insects. One time, he took a head lice specimen off of one of my student’s and put it under the microscope so that everyone could see it clearly. Marv had many friends because he made the world a better place for everyone. Love to Doris, Jeff and Matt.
Mike Franceus
July 22, 2020 at 7:35 pmDoris,
I know you know this but Marv was such a dear friend to me. My relationship with him was 40+ years long and I looked forward to our time together to talk about hunting and firearms. Marv has mounted over 10 trophies for me including Whitetail deer and Moose.
They are my most prized pieces of art in my home and I look a them and think about Marv every day.
Marv has a unique talent for bringing beautiful animals and birds back to life so we could enjoy them into eternity. Now, I will see Marv’s image as look at my trophies, every day, and think of you and he fondly.
I will truly miss him, the time we spent together and the frank talks we had on a variety of subjects.
I wish you the best as you work through the loss of such a great love, a great partner and a great man.
Love to you Doris.
Mike and Debbie Franceus
Bob & Joanie Nelson
July 22, 2020 at 8:44 pmA great neighbor, and a great Spartan. There was never a finer gentleman. Always positive. Always cheerful. And just as down to earth and unpretentious as you would ever hope to find. We will miss everything about him.
Randall Cook
July 22, 2020 at 9:16 pmMARV was an incredible person and friend. I had the privilege of working with him as both a teacher and administrator. MARV always put others first. He looked out for the needs of all students. Any student, whether they were the most needy or highly successful grew under his leadership. Every student and staff member had value and every teacher worked to try and live up to his high expectations Our world was a better place because MARV was part of it.
MARV placed great importance in his wife, Doris and his sons, Jeff and Matt. He was so proud of each of them. I know he did anything he could to provide and help them be happy and valued.
I appreciated all of the ways he helped me become successful in my educational career. I will miss you my friend.
Randy Cook
George Moricz
July 23, 2020 at 11:28 amDude, plan our next hunting trip now but do not start without me. Love you
Sue Maxam
July 24, 2020 at 10:52 amSo sorry to hear the news about Marv, Doris. My sympathy to you and your family. I know your wonderful memories will always be with you.
Kendra Frost
July 24, 2020 at 4:34 pmDoris, I believe I only met Marv once, briefly at our last THS class reunion. I have learned so much about him from the comments posted here, describing an interesting life of value and achievement. My condolences to you and your family at his passing.
Mary Sue Brooks
July 24, 2020 at 4:44 pmDoris and family, I only met Marv once. I was invited to the home to view Marv’s taxidermy collection. I wasn’t expecting what I saw. I was overwhelmed by his artistic work making what I saw almost appear alive. Marv spent time showing me around and answering all my questions which were many. I have never seen anything even close to his work. He was truly an artist. I will never forget the time spent viewing his work and sharing conversation with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Doris and the family.
Dot Richey
July 24, 2020 at 6:46 pmMy Dear brother, Marv,
Memory is such a wonderful part of life. The special experiences we shared are now, like a bowl of precious jewels, which I can pick up and examine, over and over again.
Much love, Dot
Jim Chappell
July 25, 2020 at 9:40 amMarv and I have been friends since high school. We had the best of times when we were younger and he was the best man at my wedding almost 60 years ago.
Marv was well educated but his education did not come easy. He worked nights and went to school during the day. That was the only way he could afford to stay in school.
Marv was one of a kind. No one could tell a joke or story any better then he could. He also did not mince any words when it came to certain issues. His love for taxidermy started when he was in high school and his work over the years was amazing.
He was a great friend and I will miss him more than words could ever describe.
Jim and Julane Chappell
July 25, 2020 at 5:07 pmDear Doris,
We were so sorry and sad to hear of Marv’s passing. Although our lives have taken us in many different directions in recent years we needed to acknowledge that we have so many happy and special memories during our younger years of times partying together[Marv] was always the life of the party with his exceptional talent for story and joke telling] enjoying dinners together now and then and attending many Holt class reunions.
We know the memories of so many years together as a couple and being parents will eventually sustain you with peace and comfort.
Peace be with Marv and prayers and loving thoughts to you and your family at this difficult time.
Thinking of you. Jim and Julane Chappell
Gary Arens
July 26, 2020 at 9:49 amWe were neighbors with some mutual friends on the Looking Glass river.It was great to hear his expertise on wildlife (especially his song birds).
I once nursed an injured Coopers hawk that flew into a screen back to health, then released it on the river. A few days later I ran into Marve, He was all worked up about this dang old Coopers Hawk that just recently started showing up at his bird feeders! It was hard to do, but I had to share with Marve that I just may of had a little to do with that? I told him what I had done the week prior to that. Marve looked at me and shook his head. We both then instantly fell into a good old hearty laugh! The only thing I can think of that would not miss our dear Marve would have to be the neighborhood GROUNDHOGS!!
You will truly be missed Marve, Lisa and Gary Arens
Gary Richey
July 27, 2020 at 6:03 pmMy Uncle Marv was an important person in my life. I started following him around shortly after I learned to walk. He was always ready with encouragement, an honest opinion, a funny joke or a good adventure. I’ve got a lot of good stories about him, like the time I was in the 1st grade and he had just finished mounting a male sparrow hawk. I asked if I could take it to school for show-and-tell. He said sure, then spent a lot of time with me teaching me all about hawks and helped me get comfortable with the ‘tell’ part. It went well, and by the end of the day I had given my lecture to every classroom in the school. Because of his generosity and his willingness to work with me and trust me with his fine taxidermy, every teacher in the school knew my name, and if they paid attention, everybody got an introduction to the natural history of raptors. He was more excited about my success than I was. Next time you see me, ask me about the time he brought a car full of snakes to my 2nd grade classroom.
My uncle truly cared about people, especially those marginalized by society. Now that he is gone there is a lot of slack that needs to be picked up by the rest of us.
Uncle Marv, thank you for the difference you made in my life. I love you.
Bob Rice
July 27, 2020 at 7:41 pmMarv always was a pleasure to talk to and I knew him from a outdoorsmen level and a friend . I have a lot of his Taxidermy work on my wall and always think of him when I look at the each and every day … See you down the trail my Friend RIP
Pat schaible
July 28, 2020 at 8:38 amI am so sorry,Doris. You are in my prayers.
Pat Schaible
Susan Viecelli
October 18, 2022 at 5:19 pmWe are so sad to hear of his passing. He was an extraordinarily gifted taxidermist. Heaven has a new angel.
Our thoughts and prayers . Sue and Ron Viecelli, now living in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.