Marvin Dossey

Marvin S. Dossey, 89, of Danville, IL, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, at Carle Hospital in Urbana. He was born Dec. 18, 1922 in Collinson, IL, the son of Sam and Marie Dossey. Preceding him in death was an infant son, Jeffery Thomas Dossey, his parents and one sister, Lavonne (Loyd) Toby. He is survived by his loving wife and life partner of 65 years, Edwina who will miss him so very much. Also surviving are two brothers, Norlyn (Delores) Dossey of Danville, Gerald Dossey of Danville, one sister Wanda Nafizer of Catlin and many nieces and nephews. After graduating from Bismark High School in 1940, Marvin went to work at a steel mill in Gary, IN. He was called to serve his country during WWII from 1943 - 1945 as a combat engineer in the 4th Infantry Division, 237th Combat Engineer Battalion, United States Army. He Served in North Africa and the European Theater, landing in the first wave on Utah Beach at Normandy on D-Day June 6th, 1944. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge in France and into Germany helping to liberate the Nordhausen POW Concentration Camp there which left a lasting impression on him. He received two Purple Hearts for wounds received in battle, the Presidential Citation, A French Croix de Guerre as well as many other citations. After being honorably discharged from the service at the end of the war, Marvin came home to Danville and worked for General Motors before going into business with his brother Norlyn, owning and operation Conoco Brothers Gas Station from 1955-65. In 1965 he opened Danville Auto Parts, owning and operating it until his retirement in 1986. In retirement Marvin loved to garden with his wife and work in the yard. H also was well known for the immense amount of Christmas decorations that he set up in his yard each Christmas season, drawing lines of cars that came to enjoy his displays. He and his wife Edwina also enjoyed traveling together, making several trips to WWII reunions in Ste. Mere-Eglise, France and in Europe. Marvin was a lifelong member of American Legion Post # 210, Vermilion County War Museum, a charter member of the National WWII museum in New Orleans, LA., the Vermilion County Museum, ABC Club and a member of the Church of Christ. Special thanks to Provena Hospital, Carle Hospital's Cancer Center and hospice, and to all his friends and family who helped during this difficult time in his life. Memorials may be made in Marvin's name to the American Legion Post # 210, Carle Cancer Center or the Vermilion County War Museum. A celebration of Marvin's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday October 27, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home Danville. Officiating services will be Pastor Jams Blue. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville with military rights conducted by the Danville American Legion Post # 210. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 on Friday October 26, 2012 at the funeral home. Please join Marvin's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com