Marvin James Nischan was born on April 22nd, 1933, to Dolores Murtaugh and Andrew Marvin Nischan in Los Angeles, California. He became Captain of his high school golf team, and was a caddy on the weekends at the Hollywood Golf Club.
Sometimes he was asked to fill in to complete a foursome, and was able to play alongside the likes of Clark Gable and Ben Hogan. Marvin fell in love with sports thanks to his Uncle Vic. He was sponsored on the PGA Tour by his Uncle Jim. During that time, he was approached by a Nashville country club to become their Assistant Golf Pro, which he accepted. On his first day on the job, he met Phoebe Wills Clark, who would become his wife of 68 years.
He began selling insurance policies door to door for National Life and Accident Insurance Company. After two years, he began working in the home office, later becoming Treasurer. After twenty seven years, he retired and went to work for his brother-in-law George Wills Crook at The Motorcar Company.
Because his faith was central to his life, he used his treasury expertise to keep the books for several mission organizations, including Christian Outreach, Beech Creek Fellowship, and Mission Development International.
Some of his happiest times were when he and Phoebe went on trips to Ukraine with MDI, where he coached those wanting to start small businesses.
He served as Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church, Christ Presbyterian Church, and Christ Community Church and made long-lasting friendships at each.
He was a beloved “Papa” to his five granddaughters, a loyal and generous friend, an agreeable golf partner, and a faithful participant at his Thursday morning men’s Bible Study.
One of his secret skills was writing a poem for each family member on their birthdays.
Marvin is survived by his wife Phoebe, his two children Mimi Heldman (Russ) and Christopher Marvin Nischan (Leisha), his granddaughters Mary Deaton Heldman, Mamie Craig Heldman, Elaina Brook Nischan, and Lindsey James Nischan, his sister-in-law Emily Keeble Crook, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his sister Barbara Nischan Boegler and her husband Kenny Boegler, his brother-in-law George Wills Crook, his sister-in-law, Eleanor Clark Kelley and her husband Everett, and his oldest granddaughter Phoebe Clark Heldman.
The family is grateful for the kind, good care he received from Monica Doumas, Doreen Sanchez, Bennie Downey, and Jewel Veals.
A graveside service will be held at Mt. Olivet on May 22nd at 10 o’clock in the morning with a visitation at The Centennial Club (2805 Abbott Martin Road) from 2 until 4 in the afternoon. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Stadler, Lem Stevens, and the members of the Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study.
Donations in Marvin’s honor may be made to Mission Development International, 326 21st Avenue North, Suite 203, Nashville, 37203. (www.MDImentors.org)
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This obituary was published by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home – Nashville Chapel.
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