Marvin Thomas Jones was born on February 19, 1947, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to the late Algertha (Harris) Hurdle and Thomas Jefferson Jones. He was the second eldest of seven children.

Raised by his devoted mother, stepfather Samuel Hurdle, grandmother Jessie Harris, and grandfather Isaac Harris. Marvin’s foundation in faith and devotion to Christ began at an early age.

In his adult life, he remained steadfast in his faith as a faithful member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church holding the position as an Usher and Trustee until his health no longer allowed him to.

Marvin attended Joliet Central High School. In or around that time, he met the love of his life, Gladys Bannister.

Determined to build a future worthy of her love, Marvin enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served two tours in Vietnam (101st Airborne).

Prior to his first tour, Marvin married Gladys, and together they welcomed their first daughter Rosanne.

Upon completing his second tour, Marvin returned to Joliet, Illinois, where he began a dedicated career with the Illinois Department of Corrections at Joliet IYC.

During this time, 2 more daughters Tangala, and Melinda were welcomed into his loving union. Their remarkable 60-year marriage was filled with love, laughter, unwavering devotion, and countless cherished memories.

Marvin and Gladys especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with family.

Marvin loved to cook and was never afraid to “hit the road” to visit loved ones near and far.

Never one to stop learning, Marvin pursued his passion for cooking by earning a Culinary Arts Certificate from Joliet Junior College. His love for food and hospitality led him to start his own business and after retiring with 33 years of service from the Illinois Department of Corrections, he proudly opened the “20 Grand Café” on Ruby Street and on Washington Street in Joliet.

The simple pleasures in life brought Marvin immense joy. He was an avid sports fan especially golf, whose favorite teams were the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Cubs.

Many could find him comfortably seated in front of the television enjoying a game. He also loved Western, military films, documentaries, reading and passionately supporting his grandchildren in all their activities.

Whether it was football, volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, fencing matches, school plays, or any new endeavor, Marvin was a familiar and encouraging face in the stands. He found his greatest happiness surrounded by family and friends.

Known for his generosity and kind spirit, Marvin quietly supported many charities and organizations throughout his life.

He was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, loving great grandfather, caring brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend whose presence touched countless lives.

Surrounded by his wife and daughters, Marvin peacefully transitioned to his eternal home on May 29, 2026. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, siblings Donald (Georgia)Jones, Terry Jones, Yvonne (Hurdle)Autman, Michael Hurdle, Kevin Hurdle, Sister-in Law Sheila(Raymond) Bannister Gross and grandchildren Daniel & Devon Morris.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Gladys Jones; his daughters, Rosanne(Victor) Harris, Tangala(Danny) Morris and Melinda Jones, brother Lawrence (Jennifer-deceased)Riley, brother-in laws John (Nadirah) Akbar, James (Alene) Akbar, Sister-in Law Bernice (Larry-deceased)Golden, grandchildren Christian Harris, Christiana Harris, Arman Smith, Triston Smith, Matthew Morris, Lauren Morris, great granddaughter Raquel Harris, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and longtime friend Jerry Adams aka 12 and dear friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

We will deeply miss his unassuming nature, warm smile, generous heart, subtle comedic timing, and gentle spirit, but we rejoice in the legacy of love, faith, and strength he leaves behind. We are all better because we were blessed by his presence.

“Say not in grief ‘he is no more,’ but in thankfulness that he was.” Hebrew Proverb