Marvin A. Crayton

Carpenter, business-owner, and community organizer are just a few of the titles held by Marvin A. Crayton. Uncommonly driven and hard-working best describe his character. The nurture of parents, Alexander and Nancy, instilled not only confidence in him, but an outlook on life that led him to become industrious and entrepreneurial. While in his life he endured the early loss of his mother and the drowning of a sister, he possessed an extraordinary gift of perseverance. It sustained him throughout his life.

His upbringing in rural Arkansas was formed in the presence of a closely knit family that included grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. This sense of belonging to family and community shaped his values. Country living gave him countless opportunities to grow into manhood, taking seriously the role of protector and provider. Early in life he began to develop the craft of carpentry while working and learning alongside his father and uncles. These experiences inspired his choice to enroll in, and graduate from, Arkansas A.M, and N; an HBCU which later chartered as University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. A professor turned mentor admired his strong work ethic. Seeing Marvin’s discipline and his skill as a carpenter, he recommended him for a job opportunity that led him from Pine Bluff to South Bend. Once in South Bend, he worked for Charles Stafford. Not many years later, he would become a journeyman while integrating the Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local #413 in the 1960’s. He moved quickly from Apprentice to Journeyman because he brought with him comprehensive skills as a builder. He was soon promoted from carpenter to carpenter foreman and from there to project superintendent. He loved his work and it showed!

Soon after arriving in Indiana, he was introduced to Virginia by a friend. She would become his wife of nearly sixty years. In the mid-1980’s they took a leap into entrepreneurship when they started their own construction company. They employed hundreds of people over more than thirty years, providing opportunities for stable families, higher education, and home ownership.

Some of the contract awards were made by: St. Joseph County, the South Bend National Airport, Indiana Department of Transportation, the City of South Bend and many more. Curiously, whenever asked about the project he was most proud of, his answer was always Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church of South Bend. No doubt much of that pride was derived from knowing he’d successfully followed his father’s footsteps. Alexander, his father, also built a place of worship; Union A.M.E. Church of Mt. Holly, Arkansas, built in 1952. This church is on the Arkansas Historical Registry.

Upon retirement, Marvin continued to labor in the work of advancing equity. He put his energy into engaging with city officials, mayoral candidates, and his neighborhood. He wasn’t alone; at his side, faithfully, was his wife. He believed it was his duty to contribute to the up building of the community. He did so as president of LaSalle Park Neighborhood Association Alliance, Incorporated. His last building project was overseeing the erection of a concrete sign that welcomes motorists and pedestrians as they enter LaSalle on Washington Street. Lake.

From their marriage came two children, Stephanie and Vincent Alexander (Amy). In time, The Craytons became the proud grandparents of four: John-Coahle Alexander, Alexandria, Grace, and Adriana. Marvin was an enthusiastic grandfather who seemed to have an endless number of photos of his grandchildren conveniently tucked into his wallet.

Marvin died peacefully at home Tuesday, April 14. He is survived by his wife, Vera. His sister, Gloria Prentice survives him as well. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Alexander. Two sisters and a brother; Earma Jean Crayton, Velma Strothers, and Earvin O. Crayton preceded him in death, as did siblings: Larissa Crayton and Julius Crayton. He leaves behind sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and a host of much cherished friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marvin A. Crayton, please visit our floral store.