Marvin Eugene Himsel

Marvin Eugene Himsel, 92, of Baytown, Texas, passed away November 7, 2023, with family by his side. Marvin was born July 7, 1931, in Daviess County, Indiana, to Clarence and Etta Williams Himsel. His love for the land and learning its resources began as a boy working on the family farm with his dad, grandfather, and two brothers. He often shared his fun adventures as a child and teenager before graduation from Alfordsville High School in 1949. 

After a six year courtship, Marvin married the love of his life Mary Helen Barber on October 6, 1953, in Hudsonville, Indiana. Marvin’s service in the Air Force then took the young couple to Colorado. After his service they returned to Indiana and were blessed with three sons, Mark, David, and John. They owned and operated the Himsel Apple Orchard until Marvin’s job with Texas Eastern moved the family to Lebanon, Ohio, and then to Baytown, Texas, where they made their home since 1971. 

Marvin and Mary quickly found a church home at Baytown First Church of the Nazarene where they faithfully served for decades. Upon his retirement from Texas Eastern in 1992, Marvin and Mary traveled to every state in the continental United States often accompanied by grandchildren in their Airstream. Marvin enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and grandchildren, beekeeping, working in his large garden, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered by many for his knowledge, gentle nature, countless jokes, and his ability to fix anything.

Marvin is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 64 years Mary Barber Himsel, his parents Clarence and Etta Himsel, and two brothers Jerry and Harold Himsel. 

He leaves behind his three sons Mark Himsel and wife Debbie, David Himsel and wife Debi, and John Himsel and wife Wendy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Himsel. 

Known as the greatest “Papaw” in the world to his seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, he will be dearly missed. He leaves behind grandchildren Sarah and Blake Barr, Amanda and Nikolos Manesh, Andrew and Ruth Himsel, Keely Himsel, Lindsey Himsel, Lauren Himsel and Brandon Accomando, and Adam Himsel. His great-grandchildren are Oliver, Katherine, and Charlotte Barr, Mackenzie Himsel-Scott, Madeline and Connor Manesh, and Luke, Eleanor, and Claire Himsel. Extended nieces, nephews, and their families also survive him.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 13, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm at Crespo and Jirrels Funeral Home, 6123 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas. The funeral service will take place at 2 pm on Tuesday, November 14, at Crespo and Jirrels Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Jirrels and Pastor Scott VanBibber officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarcrest Cemetery, 3010 Ferry Road, Baytown, Texas. Grandsons and great-grandsons will honor their ”Papaw” as pallbearers.

The family extends their greatest appreciation to the staff at Rollingbrook Rehabilitation Center for the love and support shown to Marvin over the last year. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to  Dr. Greg Terry, Dr. Edward Leahey, and Dr. George Platt for their many years of care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marvin’s memory may be made to Baytown First Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 1363, Baytown, TX 77522.

https://www.baytownnazarene.com/give

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marvin Eugene Himsel, please visit our floral store.