May 15, 2024

Marvin L. Converse

Posted May 15, 2024 5:14 PM

A graveside service for Marvin L. Converse will be held at the Larned City Cemetery on Tuesday May 21, 2024 at 2pm with Jack Singer presiding.

Marvin passed away at his home in DeLand, Florida January, 25 2011.  He was 81 years old.  He was born in Great Bend, KS on December 11, 1929.  His parents were Dewey Henry Converse & Ruth Ann Elise (Koch) Converse. He was their only child.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dorothy “Dee” (Neill) Converse; his stepfather, Dr. Thomas B. Powell; step brothers and sister, Jack Powell; Donald Powell and Winifred (Powell) Stanfield.  Survivors include first cousins, Arlyn G. Converse of Leawood, KS; Carole Ruth Converse of Larned, KS and William P. Koch of Washington D.C.  He is also survived by his stepdaughter and grandson, Marilyn Parlato; (husband Tom) and Ryan Parlato of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

     Marvin grew up in Larned and graduated from Larned High School in 1948.  He attended Fort Hays State for one year then transferred to the University of Kansas and received a degree in Geology Engineering in 1953.  He then went to Navy OCS in Pensacola, FL and served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant, assigned to Tactical Air Control Squadron.  He began his working career with the Carter Oil Company in Rawlings, WY and then later with Black & Veatch Engineering in Kansas City, MO. The bulk of his career was working for the Central Intelligence Agency and the US State Department in Washington D.C.  He retired after 25 years of service.

     He loved to travel and watch sports, especially his beloved Kansas Jayhawks and the Washington Redskins.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

     The family requests any memorial contributions can be made to the Pawnee Co Humane Society in Larned.  These can be sent to Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.  Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.