Marvin Otto Gaines - a husband, a dad, a grandpa, a friend, a mentor - He was born on November 23, 1958 in Thayer, MO; the youngest of five children. He passed away on October 15, 2024 in Logan, KS at the age of 65. Marvin "the energizer bunny" had a rare energy that overflowed in abundance, through his harvesting travels with his beloved wife, the love for his family and friends, and his ability to see the best in all those around him. Marvin's passion was apparent in everything he would do. Whether he was upkeeping his harvest equipment, donating his time to others with his unstoppable work ethic or pushing his body to the limits running or biking - he was constantly on the go. Marvin would never do anything halfway, he always gave his best and then some.

On November 23, 1987, Marvin married the love of his life, Linda, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Logan. This union was blessed with three daughters; Brittany, Marcy and Bessie. Together Marvin and Linda continued the harvest run under Gaines Custom Harvesting and shared an abundance of wonderful experiences being on the road together meeting many wonderful people. Marvin and Linda were blessed to find a special nanny and friend, Teresa Griffin. She went on harvest with them starting the year Brittany was born and has been a huge part of their lives.

"Dad knew how much I loved wild animals and would always catch me everything he could. It was very special to me that Dad carried on Mom's tradition of making our birthday cakes every year." - Bessie

"My favorite memories of my Dad are all the times we would go hunting and fishing. I am so proud of Dad for following through with Mom's wishes after she passed and for living out his dream of becoming a role model for all the cross country kids." - Marcy

Marvin's family was the highlight of his life. He loved spending time with loved ones and pushing his body to the max through his lifelong passion, running. Around 2010, Marvin broke his hip but as soon as he healed he took up biking. His unbreakable spirit and determination was evident in all his actions. Marvin made a remarkable impact on so many with his intense enthusiasm. He loved to capture every moment he could with photos. Yes, many many photos. He was always so excited to share and talk about the photos with anyone who would listen. Marvin could tell you the date, time, location and the runner's time for each photo from memory.

"One of my earliest memories is sitting on my Daddy's lap, when he told me I could do anything and be anything I want to be." - Brittany

Throughout his life Marvin sprinkled this passion to so many, gave his time with enthusiasm and no expectation of anything in return. A hug or simple thank you would spark this magic twinkle in his eyes. Marvin wanted to be there to help and see others succeed; to be the support he never had growing up. Marvin is so deeply loved and immeasurably missed.

Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda B. Gaines; his father, Charles Gaines and step-father, Omar Ellis; his mother, LaVera Ellis; his brothers, Aaron and Earl Gaines; and one grandchild. Survivors include his three precious daughters – Brittany Elaine and her life partner, Andrew Grandon; Marcy Lynn and husband, Jordan Bleske and grandson Kelton; and Bessie Maria; beloved family friend, Teresa Griffin; step-mother, Virginia Gaines; his sister Ellen Kemper and husband Gary; Marvin's "4th daughter", Mackenzie Clydesdale and her family; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 23rd at 10:30 a.m. in the Logan Christian Church with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating.  The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.

Marvin will lie in state from 2:00 to 5:00 Sunday with the family receiving friends from 2:00 to 3:00.  He will also lie in state from 12:00 to 8:00 Monday and Tuesday at the Logan Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Cross Country Team or the Norton Archery Club for Safety Education.