Marvin A. Genshaw

Marvin Alden Genshaw, a beloved husband, father, and friend from Bel Air, MD passed away on March 26, 2025 at the age of 85. He was born September 24, 1939 in Petoskey, MI to Alden E. and Ella M. Genshaw. He is survived by his second wife Martha Brickett Harris, a sister, Elaine Kibbe (Bill) of Petoskey, MI, two daughters, two grandsons, and two great granddaughters. He married his first wife Oleita Harlan in Philadelphia on July 11, 1964. His daughters are Mrs. Sarah (Robert) Wegley of Chicago Heights, IL and Mrs. Martha (Alan) Ulman of Somerset, NJ. His grandsons are Charles (Michelle) Wegley and Alden (Olivia) Ulman. His great granddaughters are Mackenzie Wegley and Hope Ulman. He was predeceased by his first wife Oleita who died May 3, 2019 in Maryland. Marvin married his second wife Martha Brickett Harris on October 2, 2021 in Bel Air, Maryland. Her children are Eric (Jill) Marr and Ellen Marr and her granddaughter is Naia Marr.

Marvin graduated from Petoskey High School, Michigan Tech with a BS in chemistry, and the University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D in physical chemistry. He continued at the University of Pennsylvania for three years in post-doctoral studies. He then moved to Elkhart, IN where he was employed for thirty-two years by Bayer (formerly Miles Laboratories) working on medical diagnostic tests. He authored forty-six technical publications, gave 33 technical presentations, and held eleven patents.

He trusted Jesus to forgive his sins and let him into heaven when he died. “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

He was a member of Bel Forest Baptist Church of Bel Air, MD, Gideons International, and the American Chemical Society. He was a volunteer driver for Elkhart Meals on Wheels and helped Elkhart County Habitat for Humanity in building houses. He was also active in the Elkhart County Genealogical Society and in tutoring students from Woodland School (Elkhart, IN) in an after-school program with Grace Bible Church of Elkhart.

In 2015 he and Oleita moved to Bel Air, Maryland. He distributed scriptures with the Gideons, helped community members in learning their family genealogy, and led a Bible study at Brightview Avondell.

A memorial service will be held at Bel Forest Baptist Church in Bel Air on March 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm preceded by a viewing at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Spesutia Cemetery, Perryman, MD at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or Bel Forest Baptist Church.