Obituary - Lion Marvin Mast, Urbana & Ellettsville Lions Clubs

[PDG Paul Russell]

Marvin Arthur Mast

1940 - 2026

Marvin Arthur Mast, 86, passed away on April 23, 2026. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was born March 18, 1940 in Somerset, Indiana, the youngest of three boys. He grew up on his family's farm near Speicherville and attended Urbana High School, where he excelled at track and basketball. He graduated from Manchester College with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, and began his career as a chemist for General Tire in Wabash, Indiana.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann, in 1962 and they built a beautiful life together rooted in love and dedication to their family and community.

Inspired by Mary Ann, Marvin became a teacher, earning a master's degree in education from Saint Francis College. He spent the remainder of his career teaching science and chemistry at Northfield High School, where he impacted generations of students.

Marvin stayed active in retirement, finding joy and purpose in farming, gardening, traveling, volunteering, occasionally riding motorcycles, line dancing, and spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed working with his hands, including woodworking and creating stained glass pieces. Marvin cherished spending time with his extended family, supporting and encouraging the younger generation in their pursuits.

Service to others was a defining part of Marvin's life. A longtime member of the Lions Club in both Urbana and Ellettsville, he served as president of the Urbana chapter where he spearheaded the renovation of the Urbana community building, the creation of the public pavilion at the site of the former Urbana High School, and improvements to the Urbana community baseball field. He volunteered for several years at the Indiana State Fair, raising money for the Lions Club. He was passionate about diabetes education and supporting those living with the disease.

Marvin was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash and a dedicated CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, where he advocated for children in the foster care system. Alongside Mary Ann, he participated in numerous volunteer projects and mission trips, including diabetic screenings and eyeglass donations in Mexico, hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts in Florida and Mississippi, and helping construct a diabetic clinic in Jamaica. He also took part in the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in Henryville, Indiana.

He enjoyed playing card games and loved fishing, especially at Indian Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He and Mary Ann spent many winters in the Rio Grand Valley of Texas where they enjoyed visiting with friends, attending local events, and exploring the region.

In 2018, he and Mary Ann moved to Bloomington, Indiana, to be closer to their grandchildren. Marvin loved attending their sporting events and activities and cheering them on. In Bloomington, he and Mary Ann worked for Indiana University Event Services and became enthusiastic supporters of IU athletics.

Marvin is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Ann; his sons, Tory and his partner, Leander, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Aaron and his wife, Amber, of Bloomington, Indiana; and three grandchildren: Alexandria, Jacob, and Elias. He is also survived by his brother, Cloyd Mast, sisters-in-law Nancy Mast and Eileen Weck, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Catherine Mast, and his brother, Larry Mast.

Marvin was known for his inquisitive mind, warm smile, and gentle spirit. He touched countless lives with his kindness and generosity, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 has been entrusted with the arrangements and details of the Celebration of Life will be provided at www.allencares.com

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