Marvin Clair Nelson was born August 4, 1923 in Centerville, SD to parents William and Clara (Allibone) Nelson. He died November 24, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center in Centerville, SD at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 20 days. Marvin was baptized and confirmed in the Centerville Federated Church. He received his education at Centerville Public School and graduated in 1941. Marvin joined the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II, served honorably, and was discharged in 1946. He married Cora Peters on December 27, 1947 and farmed in the Centerville area until retiring in 1991. Marvin also worked construction for 3 years with the Reynolds Construction Company. Marvin was a character and there were no strangers to him. He was never at a loss for words or gesture. He enjoyed going for coffee with friends, driving the South Dakota country side, and watching sports. He enjoyed being with his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments. Marvin was a member of the United Church of Christ in Centerville, a 66 year member of the Centerville American Legion, the Beresford VFW, and had 51 years of sobriety with Midway AA. He is survived by his son Wayne (Jackie) Nelson of Centerville; four daughters, Barbara (Guy) Lopez of New Bern, NC, Mary Lou Nelson and Cindy Obeslo both of Sioux Falls and Lori (Tom) Ross of Yuma, AZ; son-in-law Daryl Rossow of Summit, SD; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Dianna Rossow, parents, and a sister Mary Jane. Memorials may be directed to the Centerville United Church of Christ Building Fund or the Centerville American Legion. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the United Church of Christ in Centerville with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery, rural Centerville. Visitation will be Monday from 4PM to 8PM with family present from 6PM to 8PM at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville.