Marvin Lyle Marlar

Marvin Lyle Marlar, 69, of Yates Center, Kansas, crossed the finish line Monday, October 27, 2025, at his home southwest of Yates Center.

If you ever met Marv, you loved him. Whether he was fixing cars in his shop or swapping stories with friends, he was happiest with grease on his hands, a little food in his beard, and a grin on his face. Marv had an unmatched knack for seeing beauty in well-worn things, and he carried that same appreciation into his relationships, always seeing the good in people.

He was born February 2, 1956, at Yates Center, the son of Cecil Grant and Bessie Marie (Stauffer) Marlar. He spent his childhood in rural Toronto, KS, and graduated from Yates Center High School in 1974.

He and Tammy Jensen were married in July of 1982 at Neosho Falls, KS, on the "hottest day in history". They became the parents to the light of Marvin's life, their daughter, Haley.

Marvin was well-known for his work ethic. Following high school, Marvin was employed at Bell's Auto in Yates Center. In 1992, he opened Marlar's Machine Shop and operated it until 2011, where every customer became a friend. He was then employed as a machinist at LMI Aerospace in Fredonia before moving to Mid America Machine in LeRoy, KS, where he was still working.

Marvin loved to hunt, take care of his dogs, and build engines. He loved a good test-drive, and he'd say, "You have to break 'em in like you'll drive 'em!" He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and had taken trips to the Sturgis Motorcyle Rally in South Dakota.

Marvin's booming laugh, boisterous greetings, generous spirit, and endless knowledge made him the guy everyone turned to - not just for a car problem, but for advice, stories, pizza, or licorice.

Above all, Marvin was a family man. He was a proud dad and grandpa. His grandkids will always remember him as "the best fixer", who never missed a ball game or dance recital. His spontaneous nature meant he'd drop everything to lend a helping hand, go for a ride, do a burnout, or let the grandkids paint the walls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Bessie Marlar and his sister, Loretta Klick.

He leaves his daughter, Haley Chrisman and her husband Burt, of Yates Center; 3 grandchildren, Rylie McFadden and husband Mark, and Beau and Colt Chrisman; his brother, Darrell Marlar and wife Peggy, Eureka, KS; his sister Marilyn Phelan of Bay City, TX; many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Marvin's life will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 P.M. at the Yates Center Community Building. Memorial contributions may be made to Yates Center Recreation. The family asks that you take a drive, crank up the music, and remember Marvin with a smile.