Mr. Marvin Shackelford

Well, here we are. Marvin Lloyd "Shack" Shackelford was born to Berezlious and Madaline Shackelford, on February 5, 1946, on the Westside of Kansas City, MO, where they lived on the top of the hill. Many of you here might remember playing in Penn Valley Park, which was one of the highlights of his childhood memories. “The Westside”. He talked about it all the time when we got married. He had a lot more to think about at age 77. He was preceded in death by his parents Berezlious and Madaline Shackelford, five siblings: Ardred Donald Shackelford, Mary Ann Simmons, Gertrude Dameron, Sharon Allen, Deborah Shackelford and one Grandson: Anthony Bostic. Marvin was a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. The church was renamed Memorial Church International under the Vision and Leadership of Apostle Larry B. Aiken and Pastor Olivia C.Q. Aiken. He later joined Community Praise Worship and World Outreach Center under the leadership of Pastor Eartherline Downs. We had two daughters, Marla and Monette, who he loved dearly. They were the Apple of his eye. They were the greatest gifts he could have given me, in addition to the two fur coats I received. We have four grandchildren: Andre, Dasia, Robert and Mya to this marriage. They livened up his life. There wasn't much he wouldn't do for them. Marvin also had two sons: Dell Smith and Shavon Shackelford, one daughter: Marva Allen and a grandson Jordyn Fowler. Well, I might have gotten ahead of myself. Well, my parents went out of town and I had to stay with my grandmother. Marvin and I lived on 38th and Wabash. We both went to Central High School. My grandmother lived on 24th and Brooklyn and he followed me to her house the very first day, and every day after that he carried my books to her house until my parents returned. Well, he pursued me big time. I was a catch. It was the beginning of 3 years of dating and 59 years of marriage. I didn't even know he was interested. But I knew I was interested in him. You might want to know what else Marvin pursued. He graduated from Central High School in 1964. Right out of high school, he joined the Navy. He was so proud to have been on the USS Triopoly. It was a new carrier and he was one of the first crew to pull out to sea on it. Marvin got out of the service after doing four years and he worked for Lake City Ammunition Plant, Sears Roebuck and a couple of other jobs before he found his niche at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. He loved driving a bus and caring for people. He found a home there and built on his passion to help people by serving. He had a lot of laughs too. He loved making a difference and making change for the better, so he became a union steward until he moved up the ranks to serve as President of the Union for 9 years. He was loved and respected by many. He could now serve and help people from a different vantage point. Every case he won and every change he made was another feather in his cap for the people. Marvin received “The Black Achievers in Industry Award” from the KC-SCLC for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority on January 17, 2022. He retired from the KCATA after 28 years. He continued to pursue that same passion for people at Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Home as a Lead Funeral Attendant, driver, and comforting others at their time of loss, until his health failed. He was awarded a Certificate of Honor in 2016 for Staff Member of the Year. I'll forever be grateful for Marvin allowing my parents to move in our home. My father first, when his health was failing, and later when my Mom started aging. She called him her sweet son-in-law and sometimes her buddy. He was also a good cook. I will miss his fried chicken, chili, stew, and last, but not least, his amazing meatloaf and potato salad. Marvin started a saying with our grandchildren "We love you and miss you" because they lived in Florida. Whether we were leaving, or getting off the phone, we would always say it. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, 12pm at Memorial Church International. Visitation will be from 10:30am-12:00pm at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolence may be shared on our website.

Mr. Marvin Shackelford

January 18, 2024