Obituary of Marvin Leon Lamb

In loving memory of our father, Marvin Leon Lamb who was called home on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the age of 86. Marvin was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully holding the hands of his loved ones. Our father was one of the strongest men to ever walk this earth and our family was blessed to have him as the head of the family. He was the devoted husband of Dorothy Sharleen and loving father of Sherry, Valerie, Denice, Terry and Teauna.

Marvin was born in Levelland, Texas on May 19, 1936, to father James Wesley Lamb and mother Edna Alma Lamb.  Being one of eight children, at an early age, he and his siblings worked routing newspapers, picking cotton in the fields and any odd jobs to be found. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the United States Navy from September 23, 1954 through September 6, 1958 where he served on the U.S.S. Firedrake. He then served as a Navy Reserve from September 6, 1958 through September 23, 1962.

Marvin was a force of nature who worked tirelessly to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned.  He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. Early in life, our father learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic in us. He was a man of strong faith and he taught us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right.

Marvin worked for over 30 years in the trucking business. He was a proud “Teamsters Truck Driver” and when he was not working, he spent his time keeping up the house, cars or yard. He lived by the motto “if its broke we fix it” and was lovingly referred to as “Rain Man” for how dedicated to keeping the yards well-manicured and watered.  He definitely had the nicest looking house on the street! Once retired, he spent much of his time devoted to family.  Attending his grandchildren’s sporting practices and events and giving them the time he felt he was not always able to give to his children as they grew up. Circa 2006, Marvin moved himself and Dorothy to his hometown of Odessa, Texas and returned to Galt, California in 2011.

Our Father was the neighborhood dad and opened his home to all, with one rule; you would be treated as one of his own in both punishment and rewards. Some of his fondest memories were of him and Dorothy’s dancing days, restoring his 1967 Oldsmobile 442 with his son Terry and of Dorothy and him traveling across the country in their motorhome alongside his brother Robert and his wife Evelyn. He enjoyed playing Mexican Train, watching Boxing, Westerns, Andy Griffith, the Walton’s and Young Sheldon or what he referred to as “that little boy”. 

Marvin was a fiercely dedicated father and grandfather, as reflected in his personalized cane containing each child & grandchild’s name and year of birth!  Family came first and was above all else, a value he instilled in all those around him. The hole left by his absence is impossible to fill.

Marvin was predeceased by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife, 5 children, 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on December 2, 2022 at the Lodi Funeral Home on Fairmont Ave, Lodi, California.   Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. and a reception will immediately follow. 

Daddy, you are now at peace but you will live on forever in our hearts. We love you so much. Rest in peace.