Marvin Lee Evans' Obituary
Marvin Lee, the first of seven children born into the family of Oscar and Gladys Willie (Spirlin) Evans, made his debut on July 27, 1941. Due to the conversion of his dad and his eventual vocation as a Church of Christ minister, at an early age and through early teaching, Marvin became a member of the Church of Christ. He was reared and educated in Hobbs, New Mexico. Because of our country’s segregated school system, Marvin began his education at Booker T. Washington, an all-Black, K-12 school. However, due to integration in the early 1950s, Marvin attended and completed his education at an integrated school, Hobbs High. He was a star pupil in band, mastering the trumpet, of which he attained many accolades and awards. He was also proficient in four athletic endeavors. He played basketball, football, and baseball, and he was a stellar member of the school’s track team.
After graduating from high school in 1960, Marvin made the noble decision to
serve his country. Registering for the draft, he joined and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 24 years. Throughout his military career, his fascination with many different countries afforded him the opportunity to travel and see the world. As a “boots on the ground” Vietnam veteran, among many other medals and decorations, he received the Meritorious Service medal, the Air Force Commendation medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with Gallantry Cross, and the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged as an Air Force Master Sergeant, finishing his last tour of duty at Kirkland Air Force base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
While in the Air Force, he met and married Shirley Carroll (Fantroy) Davis. From this union came three lovely daughters, Regina Carroll (Gina), Marvina Nichelle (Nicki), and Kimberly Antoinette (Kim).
His post military career planted him in Albuquerque. In an effort to retain his service in the Air Force, a civilian position description with his unique skill set was established. He, therefore, accepted this position as a civil servant, retiring again twenty years later this time as a civilian.
In 2021, due to unforeseen health concerns, Kim and Nicki moved Marvin to Texas to be with them, family, and friends. He so adored his daughters and their families, cherishing every moment spent with them. Unexpectedly Kim passed away on
Mother’s Day in 2021.
Marvin and Nicki began the adventures of Marvin’s lifetime. He would gleam at those moments, either looking at a picture collage on his wall above his bed or
while watching special moments scrolled on a video monitor placed within arm’s reach by his favorite chair. Those times were very precious to him. Marvin was a Dallas Cowboy fanatic. He was so excited when his son-in-law (Winston) and grandson (Jacob) surprised him on his birthday and took him to his first Cowboys game. To him it was magical! He especially enjoyed receiving Dallas Cowboy merchandise and gifts, which he received on his birthday and on other special holidays. Moreover, he savored the quality time he spent going to the casino with his daughter, Nicki. A savvy Bingo player, he accumulated hundreds of prizes which towered floor to ceiling in his living quarters. When offered, he would gleam with such excitement and joy, never turning down the opportunity to head out for that next bingo outing. In addition, Marvin loved playing golf and going fishing with his best friend of over 40 years, Mr. Ivran Hicks of Waco, TX. Though his health continued to decline, he was covered with love and care. He was often visited and cared for by a close family friend, Ms. Paulette, who embraced him as her own dad. Marvin adored living so close to his family. He often attended and looked forward to holidays and family events. In his final days he was comforted and joined by family and friends.
On February 3, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, Marvin closed his eyes and
quietly went home.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Oscar and Gladys Evans; “the love of his life” Shirley Carroll; their two daughters, Regina Carroll Davis and Kimberly Russell (Leon); three brothers, Harold John Evans (Etta Mae), Spirlin Devoda Evans, and Archie Bernard Evans (Patricia); and two life-long friends, Billy Joe Gamble and Arnette “Net” Williams.
Those who remain to celebrate his life are: daughter, Marvina Robinson (Winston) of Mansfield, TX; their two children and his grandson and granddaughter, Jacob and Camille Robinson of Mansfield, TX; two granddaughters of (Kimberly/deceased) (Leon), Kennedy Antoinette Holmes and Pharrah Rose Russell, both of Fort Worth, TX; two granddaughters of (Regina/deceased), Demetria Davis and Gjuana Davis of Fort Worth, TX; a brother Robert Evans (Carolyn) of Flower Mound, TX; a “special brother,” Ronnie Lee (Lois) of Pampa, TX; two sisters, Janice Marie Holland (Emmett) of DeSoto, TX and Jerelene Powell (Alonzo, Sr.) of Dallas, TX; a cousin and childhood friend, Dr. Charles Becknell, Sr., of Albuquerque, NM; another childhood friend, James Arthur (Jeep) Williams (Hobbs, NM); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
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