Marvin O. Wrightsman Obituary (1938 - 2023)

Marvin Okal Wrightsman, 84 of Virden passed away peacefully January 2, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 16, 1938 in Springfield, IL, the son of Okal and Miriam (Brubaker) Wrightsman. He married Helen Ann Rowden on November 11, 1962 at Loami Baptist Church and they celebrated 60 years of marriage this past November. Marvin was a lifelong resident of Virden, graduating from Virden High School in 1956. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and had served in the Illinois Air National Guard. Marvin farmed in the Virden area with the assistance of his family, Jim Talkington, Jim Snell and the Neff family. He also owned and operated Wrightsman Conservation Contracting, installing field drainage tile and building concrete spillways throughout Illinois and surrounding states. He was skilled at repairing and improving upon equipment utilized on the farm and at home, using his creativity to find effective and practical applications. Marvin retired from active farming in 2000 and became an avid golfer, participating in Terry Park men's golf leagues as well as other area golf leagues with his wife Helen. His other interests included fishing, gardening, smoking meat and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Marvin was an active member of the Virden Church of the Brethren, serving in a variety of leadership positions. He was also an active volunteer for the Pleasant Hill Cemetery for many years. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Helen, he is survived by daughters Shannon W. (Todd) Hart of Bloomington, IL and Michelle W. (Joseph) Vigor of O'Fallon, MO; grandchildren, Steven (Jenna) Hart and Jennifer (Stephanie Vukotic) Hart of Bloomington, IL, Kirsten Vigor of Lee's Summit, MO and Alex Vigor of O'Fallon, MO, brothers Dwayne (Linda) Wrightsman of Lee, NH and Loy (Cynda) Wrightsman of Springfield, IL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Marvin was preceded in death by his mother in 1988 and his father in 2008. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 9, 2023 at Airsman & Calvert Funeral Home in Virden with Pastor Katrina Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Virden American Legion Post #386. Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 PM, Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested and may be made to Virden Church of the Brethren or Pleasant Hill Cemetery and will be received by Airsman & Calvert Funeral Homes, Virden who is honored to be caring for Marvin's family.