Obituary of Marvin LaVern Fenton

Mr. Marvin LaVerne Fenton Jr., 87, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 18, 2012 with his family by his side after his brave battle with cancer. Mr. Fenton was born on July 27, 1925, in Hydetown, he was the son of the Marvin LaVerne Fenton Sr., and Christina Stewart Fenton. Following graduation from Titusville High School, (class of 1943), he worked on the family farm. In 1945 they built and operated the Fenton’s Dairy where they processed and sold milk and ice cream. On March 18, 1946 he married his wife Gloria. They celebrated 66 years together this year. In 1961 Gloria and he purchased the M&M Store which they operated for 25 years on Washington Street in Titusville. During that time, Vern also worked for PennDot for 27 years. Known as “Marv” he held various positions from a road and bridge construction inspector to being in charge of the final audit department. Following his PennDot retirement, he was a consultant for three engineering firms as a project manager and inspector. He was a member of the American Society of Highway Engineers. Vern enjoyed a variety of sports. With his love of sports and an interest in youth, he coached a teener league baseball team for 17 years with Art Pearson. He became a member of the Oil Valley chapter of P.I.A.A. for 25 years, as a baseball, softball and swimming official. He was a member of the Titusville Lodge F&A.M. Lodge #754, Valley of Oil City Lodge, and the New Castle Consistory. Vern served 6 years as a Cherrytree township supervisor. He was a member of the Kerr Hill Presbyterian Church (Gresham) and the Titusville Presbyterian Church. Vern enjoyed singing in the choir, served as an elder and was the assistant treasurer for 36 years. He was a director of Presbyterian Homes and received the Golden Star Award in 2003. Surviving is his wife, Gloria Fenton of Titusville; two daughters, Gail Billig and husband Doug of Titusville, Beth Mather and husband Doug of Corry; one son, Farley Fenton and wife Nancy of Harrisonburg, VA; four grandchildren, Katie Witosky and husband Jay of Titusville, Scott Billig and wife Michelle of Lancaster, Kelin and Karly Fenton of Seminole, FL, two step-granddaughters, Alex and Whitney Long of Virginia Beach, VA; two great grandsons, Ty Witosky and Smith Billig. He is also survived by a sister Harriet Brown of Fort Bragg, CA and a brother Stewart Fenton and wife Marge of the Villages, FL; and several nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Francis Staub and husband Clarence; and beloved son, Kirby Fenton of Seminole, FL in 2003. Vern loved his wonderful wife and family. He enjoyed time at his children’s activities and local sporting events. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and thought his great-grandchildren were something special! With his values, faith, strong work ethic, and humor, he provided a wonderful role model for his children and grandchildren. Continuing to contribute to life, he wanted his body donated to science. A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 1st at 11:00 AM in the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Barry E. Cressman, pastor, officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Crawford Co. 310 N. Monroe St., Titusville, PA 16354, First Presbyterian Church 216 N. Franklin St., Titusville, PA 16354 or to the Titusville Alumni Association (c/o the Kirby Fenton Scholarship) 302 E. Walnut St., Titusville, PA 16354. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home. If you would like to send a condolence for the family go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com FLOWERS