Marvin Gassman

FREDERICKTOWN - Pastor Marvin Claire Gassman, age 81, of Fredericktown, Ohio, peacefully entered Heaven's glory on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at a rehab facility with his wife and daughter at his side following a two-year journey with Guillain-Barre.

He was born in Paris, Ohio on November 2, 1943, to the late Willis Gassman and Lois (Henning) Gassman. Marvin is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly Gassman; daughters, Lora June Lobach, Miriam (Steve) Smith, Deborah (Miqueas) Perez, and Mary Beth(Dave) Saxton; grandchildren, Benjamin, Joshua (Caity), and Andrew (Abbie) Lobach; Cameron and Cody Smith; Otoniel and Jehaziel Perez; Ruthie (Tyler) Law, Grace (Jonathan) O'Brien, Rebecca, Faith, and Suzy Saxton; great-grandchildren, Asher, Barrett, & Camden Lobach and Samuel Law; siblings, Wayne (Janet) Gassman, Ardena Gassman, Doreen Jenkins, Nadine Ames, Stan (Charlotte) Gassman, and Reva (Scott) Kaufman .

An Ohio native (Stark County), Pastor Gassman graduated from John Brown University in 1966 with a BA in Bible and finished his formal education at Faith Theological Seminary near Philadelphia in the spring of 1969. He and his wife Beverly then moved to Morrow County to serve with the Ohio Bible Mission at Peniel Bible Camp near Chesterville, OH. Seeing the need for a Bible-teaching church in the area, he started Morrow Bible Church in his home at Camp Peniel in 1983. Retiring from the pastorate, he continued serving in many capacities at both camp and church, along with numerous opportunities to serve on mission fields.

Marvin wore many hats: Pastor, Camp Director, Plumber, Electrician, Handyman, Bus Driver and Outdoorsman. At the same time, he was a loving husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, and friend.

He was a quiet man who loved the Lord and the people around him, a humble servant putting the needs of others first. The Lord was his highest priority in every area of life. He practiced what he preached. He was patient and gentle and always had a smile on his face and a whistle with his steps.

In May of 2023, Marvin entered a many month season of darkness - complete paralysis where he could neither see or hear or communicate. He later recounted during that time, knowing the presence of the Lord, dwelling on scripture and hymns in the darkness.

While in his paralysis, he focused on ministering to the people around him. He called every staff member by name as they came in to assist him. He suffered without complaint. He said, I always told the Lord I would do whatever He had for me. If this is what the Lord has for me then he was content, singing "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow."

The last week of his life, he changed his song to "Precious Lord. Take my hand, lead me on let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home."

Friends may call on Sunday, April 20, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Snyder Funeral Home, DeVore Chapel, 637 N. SR 61, Sunbury, Ohio. A Memorial service will take place on Monday, April 21, at 11:00 am at Morrow Bible Church, 423 CR 204, Centerburg, Ohio with visitation prior to the service starting at 10:00 am, Pastor Stephen Howard officiating. Graveside service will follow at Bloomfield Cemetery, CR 204. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Morrow Bible Church or Peniel Bible Camp, 3260 SR 314, Fredericktown, Ohio 43019.