Marvin T. Charleston, Sr., 85, of Erie, IL, died Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL.
Marvin was born on December 24, 1940, in Harvey, IL, the son of Marvin C. and Balbina (Klaczynski) Charleston. He graduated from Thornton High School in Harvey, IL, in 1959. Marvin married Helen Orzel on June 13, 1964. He was a truck driver for Meister Brau, 7-Up Bottle Distributors, and Keebler Cookies. He enjoyed meeting customers and was well-liked.
Marvin enjoyed watching Notre Dame football games and the annual Super Bowl, reading the Chicago Tribune, and tent camping with his kids and brothers in Indiana. He was also a lifelong White Sox fan. Marvin had enjoyed his immense garden and sharing what he grew. He was also a lifelong White Sox fan. To know Marvin, you knew he could make you laugh by sharing a good joke. His storytelling was often about the Charleston family reunions, growing up in a large family, and mini life lessons.
He spent his early married years participating in the Knights of Columbus and was a fourth-degree Knight. His faith was important to him, as a husband and a Dad. Marvin encouraged his children to pursue their interests in Little League, Campfire Girls, 4H, Cheerleading, and higher education programs. He loved his three children dearly.
Marvin’s laughter and kind soul will be missed greatly. He was called Grandpa and Poppy by his grandchildren. His lifelong love of 61 years is Helen, and he would definitely mention her talent for cooking a good meal. Marvin would say a good marriage was when you treated your spouse well and enjoyed everything that life has to offer you.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Marvin, Jr. (Asia) Charleston, Constance Charleston (Roger Zupko); seven grandchildren, Joshua Zupko, Quinn Zupko, Adiana Thies, Triston Charleston, Michael Charleston, Savanna (Donte) Thomas, and Tray (Kadi) Callahan; five great-grandchildren; brother, David (Arlene) Charleston.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Elizabeth; siblings, Katherine, Theresa, Dorothy, LaVerne, Robert, Jim, Jerry, Donald, Kenneth, and Irvin.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Erie Cemetery, Erie, IL.
Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Health Foundation (Quad Cities) at foundation@unitypoint.org, 2701 17th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201, 563-742-7610–and Erie Fire Protection District-Ambulance 630-530-2988 or 309-659-2000.
Share a memory or condolences at www. gibsonbodefh.com.