Marvin Thomas McLeroy

A Celebration of Life with military honors for Marvin Thomas McLeroy (aka Marvelous Marv), 78, of Lufkin will be held Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Steve Cowart officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Marvin was born November 23, 1946 in Greenville, Texas to the late Myreta (Briggs) and Shod Thomas McLeroy, and died Monday, June 2, 2025 surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Marvin served in the U.S. Army where he fulfilled overseas obligations in Korea during the Vietnam War with B Battery, 1st Battalion and was honorably discharged as Army Sergeant. Following his military service, he studied at the University of Texas at Tyler where he earned a BS in Criminal Justice and ultimately a Masters of Science. Marvin started his career as a polygraph examiner with the Texas Department of Public Safety and eventually retired from the DPS as Sergeant of Narcotics following 33 years of service. After his retirement, he served on the East Texas Drug Task Force and later worked as Chief Investigator for the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s office. Renowned for his exemplary work in narcotics enforcement, he was noted as being a “legendary narcotics officer” and earned widespread recognition and numerous awards throughout his distinguished career.

Marvin had a deep love for football, cherished his coffee gatherings with friends, and treasured every moment spent with his girls. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Debra (Martin) McLeroy; daughters, Kerri McLeroy and partner Jason Boyd, Amanda McLeroy, and Katie Pavlic and husband Justin Pavlic; grandchildren, Noah and Ava Pavlic; mother-in-law, Oma L. Martin; and a nephew, a number of nieces, and other beloved relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Danny McLeroy; and father-in-law, Everitt Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 1641 FM 325, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.