Marvin Winston Green

Funeral services for Marvin Winston Green, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Curry Street Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Green passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, at his home, surrounded by multiple family members. 

He was born July 27, 1936, at Saddle, Arkansas, to E.L. Green and Annabelle Pulley Green.  On June 5, 1965, he married the love of his life, Louanna Smith and together they created a family legacy of love and devotion.  Marvin firmly believed behind every great man is a great woman.  He attended elementary school in Salem, Arkansas and High School in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.  Marvin graduated high school at the age of 15.  He earned a Baccalaureate Degree from Arkansas State University at age 18; a Masters Degree at age 19 from Vanderbilt along with a specialist degree.   He also did pre-doctorate work at University of Mississippi.   

He was a school counselor, assistant principal, principal and superintendent in the public schools.  Marvin was a college professor of sociology and psychology and served as Dean of the West Plains Campus of Missouri State University for 20 years.  He was an avid supporter of the West Plains Campus and fought diligently for its success.  One of his greatest accomplishments was the development of the college nursing program.  He was always appreciative of the community support of the university.

Marvin was a force.  His life was full of challenges and he was no stranger to hard work.  He was known to say, “All honest work is honorable”.   He led by example as was evidenced by his willingness to work his way through school performing any job he could find.  He milked cows, picked cotton and tomatoes, cleaned bathrooms and did many other tasks while other students went home for holiday breaks.  This allowed him to graduate debt-free.

Special awards of which he was the recipient include the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; the MSU Distinguished Faculty Staff Award; and the naming of the Marvin Green Conference Room on the MSU-WP campus.  Additionally, he held numerous civic and community positions including President of the Fair Board, member of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International District Governor.

Marvin was an active member of the Curry Street Church of Christ where he served in multiple capacities over 50 years as a teacher, elder and author of several publications.  By his living example he demonstrated many lessons of Christianity.  Through his years he was a committed and dedicated pupil, teacher, facilitator and sharer of the gospel.

He had a passion for the gospel and education.  He loved his wife and family and enjoyed farming and time spent with his Charolais cattle.  He treasured moments working with his family.  You could not be around Marvin without learning something, whether it was in the classroom, in the seat of the family farm truck or stretching barb wire.  He showed intensity and professionalism that was balanced by a sharp wit and keen sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Willie (Bill) Green and sister-in-law, Dorothy Green.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Louanna; three sons, K. Douglas Green (Sherri), Searcy, Arkansas, Christopher Green (Amy), West Plains, Matt Green (Gina), West Plains; one daughter, Kimberly Green, West Plains; six grandchildren, Ashley Green, Miami, Florida, Caitlin Parks (Andrew), Austin, Texas, Hayden Green (Grace), Memphis, Tennessee, Daegen Green, Springfield, Missouri, Zane Green, Searcy, Arkansas and Wynston Ellie Annabelle Green, West Plains; four great-grandchildren, Theodore, Lauriel, Elowen and Endollion Parks, Austin, Texas; a very special nephew, Mark Green (Laura), Houston, Texas; and two nieces, Anne and Jan Green, Houston, Texas. 

Visitation services will be held from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Curry Street Church of Christ or Marvin Green MSU-WP Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.