FORT WAYNE
A loyal son of the Hoosier state passed Friday, February 19, 2021, retired US Army LtC Marvin Lee Doerr.
Marvin Lee Doerr was born to Marvin G. and Gladys Burcham Doerr on February 8, 1935, in Brownstown, Indiana, where he graduated from Brownstown High School in 1953. In 1968 he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Park Hill College in Missouri, followed by a Masters of Education in 1974 from the University of Southern California. His advanced Military education included The Command & General Staff College (C&GSC) in 1974.
Marvin owned and operated a grocery store in Brownstown, Indiana, during the late 1950s, moving on in 1960 to being the on-site Superintendent at the Jackson State Forestry.
He began his military service in the Indiana National Guard where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before attending the Indiana Military Academy and earning his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1964 he began the active duty phase of his military career, serving two tours in Viet Nam.
During his 1st company command in the 2nd Armor Division at Fort Hood, he achieved limited notoriety as the company commander who busted (reduced in rank) the Brigade mascot, a bull dog named Chester, for insubordination …. he “hiked his leg” on the Brigade Commander during formation. In the 1970s he served as a General Staff officer for the 3rd Infantry Division (aka “Rock of the Marne”). During the early 1980s, he commanded the 125th Signal Battalion at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He retired from the Army in 1984 with over 30 years of service.
After his retirement, he lived in Augusta, Georgia; Brownstown, Indiana; Alamo, Texas; and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Marvin joined the Masons in 1959, ultimately attaining a 32nd Degree.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Marvena (Cochran); his daughter, Stephanie; and his younger brother, Jon.
He is survived by his sister, Norma Lambert of Bedford, Indiana; his son, Doug (Linda); four grandchildren, Bethany Hakel (Anthony), Joshua Doerr (Melissa), and Sarah Voirol all of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Matthew Williams (Blair), of Evans, Georgia; eleven (11) great-grandchildren, Austin, Andrew & Serenity Rose Hakel, Briana & Preston Gibson, Ethan and Jacob Doerr, Jack, Jess Jr & Charlie Voirol, and Eva Williams; a nephew, Christopher Doerr of Temple, Georgia; and a great-niece, Emily Doerr, also of Temple, Georgia.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown, Indiana.