Marvin Dorey

Whether he was valiantly serving his country, burning up the dance floor, or building his home, Marvin Dorey did it all with integrity, patience, and joy. He treasured his family and lived each and every day as if it were a gift to be cherished. Marvin loved the great outdoors and enjoyed the beauty of nature, especially when he was camping. Like a ray of sunshine, Marvin brightened the days of those around him, just by being who he was.

The decade of the 1920’s were an exciting time for the world of music. Jazz was all the rage and the most popular songs were sentimental ballads like “ I’ll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time.” Peter and Della (Charter) Dorey, of Vicksburg, Michigan were preparing for their own exciting time as well; as Della was due to give birth to their baby at any time. They were indeed blessed on April 22, 1921 with the healthy birth of their son, Marvin. As one of five boys in his family, Marvin grew up on the family’s ten acre apple orchard on Wilson Street in Vicksburg. He established a strong work ethic when as a young boy; he earned money by spraying fruit trees in Vicksburg. This work ethic would follow Marvin throughout his entire lifetime. Tragedy struck early in Marvin’s life as his dad died when Marvin was just a senior in high school. This left Marvin to help provide for his family, so he dropped out of school and joined the United States Army Air Corps and sent all the money that he earned back home. Most of his time was spent in the European and African Theatres. Marvin proudly served his country for five years before returning to civilian life.

After being discharged from the Army, Marvin returned back home where his life would soon take a delightful turn. One fateful day while at his uncle’s restaurant, he met an intriguing young lady named Betty Weinberg. Marvin was smitten with her and when he went home to his family home that evening, he declared to everyone that he had met the girl he would marry. One week later, he returned to the restaurant dressed in his best suit and asked Betty out on a date. She accepted and a romance soon ensued. Marvin’s prediction proved to be true. Just as summer was turning to fall; the young couple became husband and wife on September 18, 1946.

Marvin and Betty were later blessed with the births of six children: Walter, Darlene, Robert, LouAnn, Barbara, and Maxine. Marvin embraced his role as a father and together, he and Betty created cherished memories for their children. Their family loved traveling together, especially camping. Throughout the years, they traveled many places in our magnificent country from Michigan to California. Marvin worked hard to support his family at Simpson Paper Company, more recently known as Fox River Paper, which had a tremendous effect on the greater Vicksburg area as its largest employer and biggest benefactor for many years. Marvin’s employment there lasted for 35 years until he retired in 1986. During that time he made many friends, took great pride in his work and had the privilege of working side by side with his son Walt.

In addition to time spent with his family or at work, Marvin found time to pursue some things that were of particular interest to him. He loved music and dancing, as well as being in the great outdoors where he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Marvin was an avid woodworker and was gifted at remodeling. In 1977, he and Betty built 75 percent of the house they lived in for many years of their married life. Marvin always dreamed of moving up north on the property he and Betty owned near Hardy Dam, located in Newaygo County in northern Michigan. Later in Marvin’s life when grandchildren arrived on the scene, he delighted in them and simply enjoyed being in their company. He gained tremendous joy and a sense of pride when he saw the legacy that was created from a love story which began more than sixty years ago.

Marvin was a man who always remained positive and never complained about anything, even when life wasn’t easy. He took everything in stride and his sense of humor always remained intact as well. He had a tremendous amount of patience that was sufficient to carry him through the peaks and valleys of life at all times. Five years ago, he was excited to move to what he called “God’s country” in Manton, located in northwestern Michigan, in order to be closer to one of his children.

In January of 2006, Marvin was placed under the care of hospice. Though not given much time to live, he fooled everyone and lived nearly an additional three years. The three years was not only a tribute to his strength and courage, but to his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ and the prayers of both family and friends. He used the most of his time and was truly grateful for the additional time that he could spend with his wife Betty, his children, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless number of cribbage games with his special aide and friend Vera.

Marvin Dorey was a hard working man who lived his life with zest and vibrancy, drinking in each moment he was given. He served his country for five years, preserving the liberties that all Americans enjoy, and he also treasured being in the company of his family. Marvin enjoyed the beauty that nature has to offer and found enjoyment seeing the various wonders that our great country has to offer. He wove a lifetime of memories into the hearts and lives of all those he leaves behind. Marvin was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed.

Marvin Dorey, of Manton, MI, died on Saturday January 3, 2009 at his home. Members of Marvin’s family include his wife, Betty; children, Walter (Patricia) Dorey, Darlene (Henry) Leja, Robert (Christina) Dorey, Lou Ann (James) Laurence, Barbara (Timothy) Kissinger, Maxine (David) Haywood; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; a brother, Lester (Marianne) Dorey and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Thomas (Nancy) Dorey. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Paul, Carl and James Dorey; a grandson, Peter Leja and a great-granddaughter Alexis Peterson. Visit with Marvin’s family and friends on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1967) where services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. Please visit Marvin’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his guestbook online before coming to the funeral home or make a donation to Hospice of Michigan.