Rev. Marvin Alvin Brown

Rev. Marvin Alvin Brown, lovingly known as “Bub” by his brothers and sisters, heard the words he had faithfully preached for so many years, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” as he went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by the love of his devoted family.

Born on October 26, 1943, in Galloway, West Virginia, Marvin was the son of the late Charles Lester Brown and Ola Marie (Snyder) Brown. He was a man whose life was built upon faith, family, hard work, and a servant’s heart.

On April 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sharon Rose (Paugh) Brown. Through more than sixty years of marriage, they built a home centered on love, laughter, faith, and family. Together they raised four children, Bobby and wife Jamie, Matthew and wife Patty, Christine and husband Steve, and Faith and husband Brad, who will forever cherish the example of a father who loved them unconditionally and pointed them to Christ.

Marvin found no greater joy than being “Papaw.” He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren, Brooke Marlow and husband Charles, Alishia Shahan and husband Cody, Shawnna Gassnola and husband Damon, Sarah Cooper and husband Jamal, Charity Weaver and husband Allen, Timmy Ware, Tiffany McGee, and Stephanie McGee; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Hadassah, Isaiah, Savannah, Payton, Landen, Gabriel, Michelle, Samuel, Kyler, James, Noah, Arabella, and Kamari. Whether he was playing baseball in the yard, telling stories, singing songs, or dancing the jitterbug with his children, Marvin made sure those he loved knew just how much they meant to him.

He is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth Brown and wife Ada, David Brown and wife Sue, and John Brown and wife Sandy, along with many nieces, nephews, church family, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and unwavering faith.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents; his brothers, Harold, Charles, Gerald, and Clyde Brown; and his sisters, Thelma McCauley and Margarite Watrine.

A 1962 graduate of Philippi High School, Marvin proudly answered his country’s call by serving in the United States Army. For more than fifteen years, he was a faithful member of American Legion Post #44, where he considered it an honor to help provide military funeral honors to fellow veterans.

Marvin believed in an honest day’s work. Throughout the years he worked as a shuttle car operator for Martiki Coal Mine and helped establish the Sago Mine. His strong work ethic carried him through many occupations, including Heritage Nursing Home, the West Virginia Department of Highways in Tucker County, the Kingsford Charcoal Plant, Pete Dye Golf Course, and as a book publisher. No matter where he worked, Marvin believed every job was an opportunity to serve others and honor God.

Although he worked many jobs, his life’s calling was sharing the Gospel. Marvin helped establish churches in Elkins, Thomas, and Fairmont, faithfully pastored Ford Run Pentecostal Church for two years and Brownton Pentecostal Church for one year, and served as an evangelist in countless churches throughout the years. He never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. Whether standing behind a pulpit, sitting on a front porch, or talking with someone in a grocery store, Marvin’s greatest desire was that everyone he met would know the saving grace of his Lord.

When Marvin wasn’t preaching, he loved the simple blessings of life. He could often be found fishing, hunting, tending his garden, or raking leaves around the yard. Family gatherings were among his favorite occasions because they meant spending time with those he loved most. He enjoyed traveling with his family, beginning with his first trip to Canada. Every year afterward, he looked forward to making memories at family camp in Pennsylvania and visiting places such as Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Blennerhassett Island. Wherever he went, Marvin’s joyful spirit, warm smile, and love for singing made every gathering brighter.

More than anything else, Marvin wanted his family to know the Lord he faithfully served. His greatest legacy is not found in the churches he helped build, the sermons he preached, or the work he accomplished, but in the lives he touched through his steadfast faith, humble example, and unconditional love. His voice may now be silent on earth, but the testimony of his life will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home, 220 North Walnut Street, Philippi, on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. funeral hour. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Brother Brady and Brother Ware officiating.

Marvin will be laid to rest in the West Virginia National Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army and American Legion Post #96.