Marvin Dale Persinger

Marvin Dale Persinger, age 90, of Indianapolis, passed away on September 26, 2024. Born in Jackson County, Indiana, on February 6, 1934, Marvin lived a full life. After graduating from Emmerich Manual Training High School, Marvin served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as an air traffic controller. He later worked for many years as a carrier with the United States Postal Service and as a skilled barber, finding satisfaction in a life lived simply and on his own terms.

In the 60s, Mad Magazine recognized Marvin’s skills as a barber, dubbing him the “best flat-top barber” in Indianapolis. He took pride in his work and owned and operated Marvin's Barber Shop on the corner of Villa and Troy in Indianapolis for many years. His shop became a fixture in the neighborhood, where customers trusted him for the best haircuts around.

Marvin was a man who appreciated the small things in life—he spent his time enjoying shows about cowboys, curating his watch collection, walking his dachshunds Frankie and Bruno, and indulging in spiced gumdrops and milkshakes. He found joy in sharing experiences with his children, from trips to Linder’s Ice Cream and the haunted house at The Children’s Museum to seeing the Christmas windows and lights downtown.

A talented artist, Marvin had a knack for drawing cartoon characters by hand, often finding joy in sketching them from memory or from the Sunday comic strips. He was a man of quiet ways, content to observe the world around him with a calm and steady presence. At the same time, though, he had a sharp wit and surprised his loved ones with unexpected, funny remarks that would catch everyone off guard and leave them laughing. Whether it was a perfectly timed one-liner or a story from his mail route—like the time a German Shepherd jumped into his Jeep—Marvin’s humor always found a way to show up at just the right moment.

Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arnola Persinger; his parents, Arthur and Ellen (Link) Persinger; his sister, Evelyn Hafer; and his son, Marvin Persinger, Jr. He is survived by his children, Brenda Jones, Bonnie Coslett (Jon Coslett), and James Persinger (Mary Oldham). His legacy continues through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews across generations.

Marvin’s children will announce details of a celebration of life at a later date. No formal services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor.

Marvin’s incredible 90 years of steady presence, stories, and care left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his love and humor will be carried on through his family and friends.