Marvin James Shade

Marvin J. Shade, 62, of Lawrence, Kansas entered eternal rest on July 30, 2024. Marvin attended Stanfield Elementary School and was Valedictorian of his eighth-grade class and was also outstanding athlete of the year. As a youngster he played Little League baseball and could always be found on the basketball court. At Casa Grande Union High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society, was the Outstanding Native American student his Senior year, served on the school newspaper, and played basketball all four years. He went on to attend Haskell Indian Nations College (HINC) on a basketball scholarship in Lawrence and after graduation he attended the University of Kansas (KU) where he also graduated. He served as Student Activities Director at HINC for many years and at one point served as interim basketball coach for the team. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the KU Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs football, and many NBA players. In addition to sports, he enjoyed all genres of music. Marvin was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and served as a mentor to young up-and-coming students. Marvin retired after a career in education with the federal government.

 Marvin is survived by his three daughters Danielle, Alicia, and Millie, his beloved dog Rio, his mother Lillian of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and his sister, Dr. Sandra Shade (Gilbert). 

He was preceded in death by his father Leo and brothers Larry and Mark. 

Marvin was always “Dad first” and was proud of the educational accomplishments of his daughters. He had many close aunts and uncles, cousins, and life-long friends that he considered brothers, John “JP,” Antonio “Gov,” Elwood, Pat, and “CC,” Kevin, Jackie, Ralph, Eddie. He loved being an uncle to his extended nieces and nephews. 

His Uncle, Pastor Johnny Stephens, will provide a grave site service on Saturday, August 10 at 7:00 a.m. at the Ak-Chin Indian Community Cemetery located north of West Farrell Road/Cemetery Road. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is just south of the City of Maricopa. Marvin will be deeply missed but the love and memories will live on.

J. Warren Funeral Services are handling arrangements.