Marvin Wilber

The best Maysville baseball coach, former Mayor and three time Maysville Chili Cookoff winner passed away December 17, 2019. Marvin Wilber lived loved and raised his family in the small town of Maysville in a time and era that could be referred to as NWA Camelot. He was born in Robinson, Arkansas in Washington County on November 12, 1926 to John and Pearl Wilber, the middle child with an older brother Harold and younger sister Peggy. After the government bought land to build Lake Weddington in 1934, the family relocated to the farm just south of Maysville when Marvin was eight years old. There he raised a family and lived until the day he died. Marvin grew up in a time when electricity was not in the area. Therefore, his youth was spent surrounded by groups of best friends finding entertainment on creek banks and baseball fields and School programs. To say he loved baseball is an understatement. He played and coached ball for over 30 years. He was a huge Arkansas Razorback, St. Louis Cardinal and Dallas Cowboy fan; sports were definitely a major part of Marvin's life. Quail hunting was his next love. He along with friends walked the farms around Maysville hunting the Bob White quail. Marvin was a good shot and dog trainer. Two of his best bird dogs were strays he trained. He told the story how he once was a guide for local quail and pheasant club ran by Max Crawley. Most of Max' clients were oil men from Tulsa. Marvin had a bird dog that was so good he turned down an offer of $600... that was a lot of money in those days. Since he was newly married that money would have gone a long way. He would wink and say "that was one of the few things I never told Billie." In 1945, being part of the Greatest Generation, he had to get a deferment from the military so he could finish his education at Southwest City High School. After graduation he served in the Army during World War II for the Pacific Campaign. When lined up in formation he told the story how the sergeant said "look left then look right because two of the three of you will not come back alive." That made an 18 year old boy into a man that day! After the war he came home and married Billie Netherton. They raised four children and were married for 66 years. His careers included barber, owner of the Maysville Grocery and Feed Store and finally was the Maysville Postmaster for 30 years. Marvin never met a stranger. He was everyone's pal. He left a legacy to his children that they are proud of. Most of all Marvin was totally devoted and loved his family, friends and community. Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Billie, one son, Lanny T. Wilber, his parents, and both siblings. Survived by his children: Mickey (Sherry) of Creedmoor, North Carolina, Mitchell (Jane) of Gravette, and Beverly (Leon) Whiteside of Maysville; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 19th at Bella Vista Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 20th at the Maysville Missionary Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Maysville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Maysville Cemetery Association in care of Carol Loux, 25077 Loux Road, Maysville, Ark. 72747 or Maysville Extension Homemakers in care of Gwen Singleton, 13969 Wet Prairie Road, Gravette, Ark. 72736. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.