Marvin Gainer

Marvin Gainer passed away March 21, 2018 at Care Haven VA Facility in Belmont, WV. He was born October 9, 1921 and reared in Richwood, WV, son of Doyle and Monnie Burle Gainer. He was one of four children. After attending Richwood High School he met Frances “Fran” Keeper at Camp Caesar Youth Camp. They later married April 4, 1942 and Marv entered the Navy that same year. The couple moved to Newport, RI where Marv trained for duty aboard a PT Boat. After training, Marv and Fran moved to Boston, MA. From Boston he was deployed to the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands. While serving aboard PT Boat 132 they were hit by enemy fire. Marvin was hit by flying shrapnel and he and the crew spent 72 hours in the ocean water. Because of his injuries he spent six months in a VA Hospital. Due to his bravery Marvin was the recipient of the distinctive Purple Heart. After his discharge from the service, Marv and Fran moved back to the Parkersburg area. He worked as a baker, drove bus for City Lines Bus Line and was employed by the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement. Marvin and Fran enjoyed their music, he was a choir director in different churches in the area. The two of them entertained at locations in the Parkersburg area and Florida, with Fran as the organist and Marvin as the vocalist and drummer. Two of their popular venues were Seddon's on the Mall and the Holiday Inn. Marv especially enjoyed the company of the couple's Chihuahua (Mitsy) who went everywhere with them as part of the family. In addition to his parents and wife, Fran he was preceded in death by brothers, Vance and Paul and a sister, Evelyn Gainer Combs. He is survived by one sister, Jean Mullins (Vance) of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by his son, Jeff (Hannah) of Parkersburg; grandsons, Scott (Dunia) also of Parkersburg and Chris (Lori) of Reynoldsburg, OH; one step-granddaughter, Stephani Williams of Parkersburg; great-grandchildren, Autumn Gainer and Kiernan Gainer; step great-granddaughter, Megan Williams; step great-grandson, Dominick Hall; step great-great-grandchildren, Emmalin Sams and Danicka and Jameison Hall. Friends may call at Wesley United Methodist Church at 497 21st St. Vienna, Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with memorial services at 4 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church and the Humane Society of Parkersburg. Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St. Parkersburg is assisting the family with arrangements.