Marvin R. Marsh (87) of Urbana passed away April 3, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital. Marvin (Marv) is survived by his wife, Carol and 2 children, son Douglas Marsh of Urbana and daughter, Sue (Jack) Wilson of Champaign. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Marv was born June 15, 1927 in Chicago, IL. Marv's father and mother were William and Emma (Kirschsieper) Marsh. Marv attended Crane Tech High school in Chicago. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II after which he attended Northwestern University. Marv and Carol were married on June 24, 1950 in Oak Park, IL. In 1955, Marv and Carol moved from Chicago to Marquette Heights, Ill. In 1964, Marv and Carol moved the family to the Champaign-Urbana area.

In 1949, Marv got a job with the National Inspection Co. as a fire insurance inspector. While with the company, Marv traveled throughout the central part of the United States. Marv inspected water towers to manufacturing plants verifying their condition and safety to employees and the public. In 1955, Marv was employed as a safety engineer for one of the major insurance companies in Peoria, Illinois and subsequently worked as an underwriter, field man, and finally branch manager.

In order to spend more time with his family, Marv became an independent insurance Agent and Realtor. In 1973, Marv founded his own insurance and real estate agency, the Marsh Agency, located in downtown Champaign. Later on, Marv merged with other local Agents to form the Cox, Gatche, Lowry and Marsh Agency in Champaign.

Marv believed in service to others. He was a member of the Black Horse Troop in Chicago, a volunteer fireman in Marquette Heights, a member and Past President of the Champaign County Board of Realtors. In 1981, Marv received the Realtor of the Year Award. Marv was appointed to the Champaign County Housing Authority in 1967 and served as Chairman for 13 years. He was also a past president of the Champaign - Urbana Optimist Club.

As an independent insurance Agent, Marv was active in the Illinois Independent Insurance Agent Association of Illinois (IIAAI). Marv served a term in office as the President of the Association. The Association presented Marv with the prestigious Cartwright Award in recognition of his many years of service and dedication to the mission of the organization.

When Marv retired, he established the Carle Auxiliary Escort volunteers and worked along with them for many years.

Donations may be made to the organization of the donor's choice in memory of Marvin Marsh.