Marvin E. Luers

Marvin E. Luers 87, passed away on May 30 at his residence after a courageous battle with declining health. Marvin was born August 11, 1926 to Arnold and Mary Etta (Jacks) Luers. He married Mary Lois Culp on April 24, 1948 at St. Augustine Church in Rensselaer. She survives. Marvin graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1944 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the 65th Combat Engineers for six months in the Philippines and one year in Japan as part of the occupational forces. After his tour was over, Marvin went to work for Jasper County Farm Bureau Co-op in the petroleum division and later became manager of the petroleum and plant food/chemical division. He became assistant general manager in 1966 and remained in that position until 1975, when he was promoted to general manager, a position he held until he retired in 1991. Marvin was instrumental in moving the Cooperative forward in the task of serving the farmers of Jasper, Newton, and Benton Counties. Unlike many people in today’s workforce, Marvin stayed with the same organization for almost 45 years. Marvin’s background holds an impressive history of community service: delivering for Meals on Wheels, and being a member of organizations such as the Lion’s Club (60 year member), Knights of Columbus, and Jasper County Farm Bureau, Inc. He helped raise funds for several causes including Habitat for Humanity, St. Augustine Church, the Jasper County Hospital Auxiliary, and the Jasper County 4-H Fair. He was also a member of the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Curtis Creek Country Club, and he was a St. Joseph College Fellow. In 2000, Marvin received the esteemed Sagamore of the Wabash award. This award is the highest honor which the Governor of Indiana can bestow and is a personal tribute given to those who render distinguished service to the state. Marvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Demonstrating a life of integrity and with so many admirable character traits, he was a strong role model for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, and the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Mary Lois, and their five children: sons Stephen E. Luers (Deb) of Greenwood, IN, Phillip E. Luers (Pam) of Doylestown, PA, Mark E. Luers (Kent) of Indianapolis, IN, Kevin E. Luers (Debbie) of Bloomington, IN, and daughter Susan M. Nail (Allen) of West Lafayette, IN. Marvin had nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Angie Moisant (Willie), Scott Luers Franklin (Evy), Joseph Luers, Matheau Luers, Erin Carrico (Corey), Johnathon Nail, Katherine Nail, Abigail Luers, Zachary Luers, Jessie Henry, and Torre McClain. There are also six great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren: Anthony Moisant, Zachary Moisant, Mitchell Carrico, Jillian Carrico, Alexander Franklin, Marlena Franklin, Brenden McClain, Madisyn McClain, and Trinity McClain. One brother Paul Luers (Adelle) also survives. Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and three brothers. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following charities: St. Augustine School, Lion’s Club or Jasper Co. Hospital Hospice.

Marvin E. Luers

August 11, 1926 - May 30, 2014