Marvin L. Young

Marvin L. Young, 88, of Ashville, passed away on July 8, 2026, held close in the hearts of his family. He was born on June 5, 1938, in rural Pickaway County, to the late Katherine Malone. Marvin grew up in Pickaway County and spent his life there, living at the same Ashville address from 1966 until his passing. Marvin was a hardworking, funny, generous, and steady man—the kind of person who helped without waiting to be asked. For many years, he was known around town through his work, service, and community involvement. In later years, his life turned more quietly toward home and family. The home he shared with Janice became a gathering place for porch visits, coffee, conversation, and family gathered on the back deck for hot dogs and brats from the grill. His familiar parting words were: “Come back and see us.” Marvin retired from DuPont after more than 30 years. He also served for many years as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Harrison Township Fire Department. His family remembers him quickly putting on his shoes and running the couple of blocks from home to the firehouse—a lasting image of the readiness with which he gave himself to his family, his neighbors, and his community. A longtime member of the Ashville Community Men’s Club, Marvin received the club’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 2004. Yet of all the roles he held, none mattered more to him than being a husband, dad, and grandpa. His marriage to Janice was the center of his life. He adored her, cared for her faithfully, and built a life with her marked by devotion, steadiness, and love. One granddaughter described Marvin as the “pillar of our family.” It was a fitting description. He was a steady foundation beneath the generations who loved him.

In addition to his mother, Marvin was preceded in death by his son, Randy O’Conner.

Marvin is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Janice (McLain) Young, who was the center of his life; son Ron (Nikki Clark) O’Conner and his children, Mitchell (Danielle Nichole) and Kelsey Reed (Mickey); Randy’s wife, Gail Rose, and his daughters Crista O’Conner and Catherine Curtis; daughter Lynne (O’Conner) Richard and her children, Dylan (Kenzie) and Damon (Caitlin); son Kevin (Kathy) O’Conner and their children, Daryl, Collin (Kaitlyn), and Tara; brothers Chuck (Charlene) Malone and Ron (Sheri) Malone; and twelve great-grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by many friends, neighbors, and members of the Ashville community whose lives he touched through the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main St., Ashville, OH 43103. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A reception will follow at South Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5027 West 2nd Street, South Bloomfield. Condolences can be offered online at olivercheekfuneralhome.com