Marvin Melvin McClanahan

Marvin Melvin McClanahan, 80, of Dunkirk, Maryland passed away December 10, 2025 after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Alexandria, Virginia on September 9, 1945, Marvin grew up in Old Town as the youngest child with his older brother and sister. After serving four years in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic, he started his career as a land surveyor for the DC government working with his brother. Marvin was well-respected for his job knowledge and was appreciated by all of the surveyors he worked with in the district. While ice skating after work, he met Mae, and they wed April 15, 1978. They welcomed two children, Pam and Annie, several years later. Marvin enjoyed taking the family on day trips and vacations to parks, historic sites, and for many years, an annual summer getaway to Myrtle Beach.

After the loss of Mae in 2006, he found friends through Calvert Grace Community Church who all supported each other. He retired in 2007 and started regularly fishing with his new found time and met friends through that hobby as well. They celebrated milestones, went out to lunch, and watched football games together. He spent many of these years as a caregiver to several family members too. Marvin truly loved good food, often planning for a particular meal or traveling for a certain restaurant or menu item. He also appreciated a treasure hunt - whether researching shipwrecks in books and maps, metal detecting at the beach, or exploring auctions and thrift shops.

Marvin enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Josh and Avery - especially family dinners, birthdays, holidays and going on beach vacations. Playing trivia games and telling jokes with the grandkids were favorites of his. Marvin will be remembered for his loyalty, integrity, and service to family and friends.

Marvin was predeceased by his wife, Mae (Thompson) McClanahan. He is survived by his daughters, Pamela McClanahan and Annie (McClanahan) Pearson, and her husband Chris; and grandchildren, Josh and Avery Pearson.

A memorial service will be held at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, Maryland on December 16 at 12pm preceded by a visitation at 11am and a reception following at Calvert Grace Community Church. Burial will be held at a later date at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/, or Calvert Grace Community Church, https://calvertgrace.org/.