Marvin D. Elam, 71, passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at his home in Virginia Beach.
He is predeceased by his husband, Lynn D. Sidle and his parents Dorsie C. Elam and Ruth K. Elam.
He is survived by brother Kirk Elam, sisters Onita Daniel and Karen Phares, father-in-law Larry Sidle and mother-in-law Jean Sidle, nieces and nephews; Jason Shelton, Meredyth Shaffer, David Phares III, Lindsay Elam, Drew Elam, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Marvin, also known as, Papa or Dwaine, was a loving husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, cousin, uncle, and friend to many.
Born in Ohio, and then moved to Germany as a young child. His father was in the Army, so he lived in many places. After Germany, Marvin was in California and then moved to Virginia. It was off to Fairbanks, Alaska where he graduated from Lathrop High. Marvin then went to West Coast Bible College and Lee College.
Marvin talented in agriculture. We always said he could take a weed and turn it into a beautiful flower. Marvin created and ran a very successful landscaping business for forty plus years. He had clients that loved and appreciated him throughout his entire career. The landscaping world will surely miss his talents. His designs and love for landscaping were one of a kind and beautiful. He took great pride in all his work.
Marvin was a talented person in music. He loved to play the accordion and piano and could sing like an angel. He was choir director at his mom’s church for a period of time. His best talent was as a friend and family man. Marvin had the most kind heart and soul and took time to listen and provide input and encouragement to each person he encountered. His wisdom, smile, and faith in God will surely be missed. He loved his faith, bible, music, and God. He was a spiritual person in his own being.
Marvin fought a hard battle with all his physical ailments over the past few years, and we will surely miss him, and all his wisdom. There is one great thing to come of all this sadness; he is in a better place singing and walking with his Lord Jesus Christ.
Funeral services are planned for 11am Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Altmeyer Funeral Home Maestas Chapel 1801 Baltic Avenue Virginia Beach 23451
A memorial fund has been created in Marvin’s name and donations can be made by clicking this link.
Past Services
Memorial
Saturday August 07, 2021
11:00 am
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Maestas Chapel
1801 Baltic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1112 | Directions
1801 Baltic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1112 | Directions
“I am deeply saddened my dear friend to just learn of your passing. We shared so much over the past 24 years together while doing your hair. Every 4 weeks sharing our stories of happiness, joy, love, sicknesses and sadness. We have been through a lifetime together. We have grown older together. We have laughed, cried and prayed together. I am so thankful to have had you in my life. I miss you already so much!
I know you are singing with the angels and saying to all of them in that voice… “how you doin?” I love you!”
We only knew Dwaine for such a relative short time from his marriage to our nephew Lynn. Dwaine was so charming, funny, and considerate especially on visits to the outer banks. He was always anxious to share his interest in their antique collections and beautiful home gardens. He will be sadly missed by so many but may he rest in peace, pain and illness free. May God bless you Dwaine. Blaine and Phyllis.
I will truly miss my dear friend, Dwaine. He was a gentle soul, a comedian, and m
y closest confidant. I have never had a closer friend. We shared sorrow and pain as well as fun, happy times. I doubt that I will have a better friend for the remainder of my life. Please rest in peace, I loved you as well as many of your friends. I will think of you often. Bob
I am going to miss you Dwaine. You were always kind, caring, and giving. I pray that God will give your family and friends the peace and comfort they need in knowing that your are in a new healthy body and are landscaping heaven.
Thoughts and prayers for a great family during this difficult time.
Love to all,
Bob and Deborah Hudson
We have known Marvin, as Dwayne, for 20 years. He was the most friendly kind person we have ever known, The many times we spent with him we will remember forever. The good times here and on the islands, and the bad times we spent here with him during his illnesses. The memories will be cherished.
In the short time Marvin was my neighbor I come to enjoy his kindness. Marvin had become a friend and I will miss him. May God Bless him and his family.
Dwayne was an amazing person and will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Family and Friends. We will keep you in our thoughts and close to our hearts during this challenging time.
Fondly,
Claus & Robert
“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.”
-Hebrew Proverb
Marvin was one of the nicest, most sweet men I have ever known. He was always more worried about others happiness and bringing beauty in to this ugly world. I will miss him with all my heart. Love You brother