Marvin Lewis
February 23, 1959 - July 17, 2020

Marvin Lewis, age 61, of Ames, Iowa, died peacefully and happily at his home on July 17, 2020, with his church family caring for him, after years of his body just giving out from heart and renal failure.

Join us Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. CDT for a Celebration Memorial via Zoom to remember Marvin's story and celebrate his life. Zoom Memorial Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85395424249: Zoom ID: 853 9542 4249. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.


Marvin was born February 23, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Robert and Bettie (Phipps) Lewis. Marvin was raised in Chicago, and was baptized as a Catholic. He attended St. Joseph's Church where he served as an altar boy. He received his education at St. Joseph's Grammar School and Waller High School in Chicago, and later furthered his education at community college.

Marvin moved to Iowa perhaps around 2004. He had relationships with many around town from city leaders to the homeless. He had a heart to help young men become "young men of integrity." He often took up the cause of the homeless and those finding themselves in tough situations. He loved making music with many musicians around town, writing songs, telling stories, designing clothing, restoring bikes, giving away bikes, and collecting all things that might be useful. Marvin was sort of a modern-day Robin Hood, who used whatever means he could to help others. He made many wonderful friends at his church and spoke highly of all his church family, especially Nancy and her family, and Don and his family. Marvin enjoyed life and was full of compassion. His heartfelt love was evident within his family as well as in the community.

Marvin believed God pointed him to Oakwood Road Church (now CityChurch of Ames-Des Moines) around 2006. He loved this church and would often invite someone he just met to visit the church and see why he loved it. He loved the big vision of the church to strengthen church leaders on every continent and to "seek the welfare of the city" here in Ames, especially reaching out to people who needed to rebuild their lives. In his church family, he always looked out for the elderly and his little buddies, the children. And he sought out leaders. He got excited about the sound teaching from God's Word that he could share with others. He found a family to belong to and a vision he could become a part of here in Ames.

Marvin was confident in his relationship with God. He was confident that his sins were forgiven because of God's grace to him--not based on things he had done, but based on trusting that Jesus' death on the cross paid for his sins. Marvin had two final requests: (1) He asked us to record a song that he still had within him and (2) he wanted his family and friends to trust in Jesus' payment as he had. He wanted them to live life with joy and purpose. Marvin dreamed of having a big "megaphone," using his gigantic speakers to share his music and message to everyone who would listen.

Though Marvin's earthly journey ended on July 17, 2020, the circle of life, which has no end or beginning, continues through his family. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Robert and Michael.

Loving memories of Marvin will be cherished by his six siblings: Carolyn, Elaine, Rochelle (Wendell Brown), Demetria (Ramone Harris), Danny, and Milo (Stephanie); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews; other extended family members; and his church family and friends.

Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Marvin and his family.

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