Marvin McCabe, 88
Marvin A. McCabe, 88, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.
He was born on October 24, 1932, in Neave Township, Ohio, to the late Wilbur and Mary Kathryn (Dunn) McCabe. Marvin was a 1950 graduate of Greenville High School. He worked for 20 years at Corning Glass and 27 years at St. Elizabeth Medical Center as a security guard. He also worked for 40 years with Spillie Harness Shop in Greenville. Marvin was the “inspiration” for Marty McCabe Painting Services.
Prior to Marvin being a member of EUM Church in Greenville for 40 years, he was a member of Fort Jefferson United Methodist Church for 30 years. He was a very active member of The Darke County Area Emmaus Community and he enjoyed being involved with the Men’s Ministry at EUM. Ponies and horses were his passion, where he was highly respected in the industry. He was a member of several equine organizations: The American Shetland Association, The American Horse Show Association, The Preble County Horse Club, The Darke County Horse and Pony Club. He was also a member of the Ohio State Fair Horse Show Advisory Board, where according to fellow board member, Barbara Dunham, he was a valuable member. He not only put on many show clinics around the United States, he wrote the book on judging procedures and served as the Judges Committee Chairman for the ASPC/AMHR. Marvin served as an Equestrian Judge in the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, where 33 countries were represented. McCabe said it was an experience that he will never forget. He also judged at the World Equestrian Shows held at the Horse Park in Lexington, KY, where 44 countries attended. Further, via special invite, at the New Zealand National Horse Show. In 2010 he was inducted into the National Equine Hall of Fame.
McCabe raised ponies on a farm near the fairgrounds in Darke County, which he was proud to say was the only county in the United States by that name. According to McCabe’s son Marty, at one time he owned 100 ponies. A few weeks ago, with the help of family and friends, McCabe was able to show one last time at the Drake County Fair, in an event judged by his longtime friend, Jim McKeith. As with so many times in the past, he brought home a blue ribbon.
Marvin was loved and will be missed by all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He prayed regularly for all of them. Marvin is survived by his children; Mark (Marilyn) McCabe of Prospect, Ohio, Miriam (John Metelko) Wells of Indianapolis, Indiana, Mitch (Minetta) McCabe of Greenville and Marty (Connie) McCabe of Greenville; his stepchildren, Kevin (Jenni) List of Alabama, Janelle (Scott) Sindelar of Tennessee and Lavonne (Thad) Siculan of Arcanum, Ohio; his grandchildren, Janice (Jeremy) Vida, Andrew (Tonya) McCabe, Carmen (Melvyn) Nieves, Vanessa (Ben) Broerman, Samuel (Elizabeth) McCabe, Hillary Holzapfel, Chloe (Canaan) Stanley, Lucas McCabe, Will McCabe, Zach (Sarah) McCabe, Hannah (Sean) Germain and Noah McCabe as well as several step-grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and his partner and special friend Marilyn Smith of Greenville. A graveside service was held on September 5, 2021, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fort Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that Memorial contributions may be made to The Darke County Area Emmaus Community, P.O. Box 482, Greenville, Ohio 45331. Online condolences may be left for Marvin’s family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com. “Done Showing, Out to Pasture”