Marvin Berdett Schlegel

Marvin Schlegel was born August 21, 1924 on a small family farm near Carnegie, Oklahoma. His parents were Marshall and Alice Schlegel. Marvin was the second of 2 children, his sister Imogene was born in 1921.Marvin lived the life of a farm boy, riding his horse Smokey to school, learning to drive the farm vehicles, (such as they were in the 1930's). His father kept hogs, some cattle and various crops. When Marvin and his sister were of school age, the family would move to Carnegie for the winters so the children could go to school and Papa Marshall would drive the tractor back to the farm each morning.When WW2 broke out Marvin wanted to serve but was rejected by the military for medical reasons. In 1942 he was offered training in Woodward, Oklahoma in air conditioning and refrigeration. He attended school there for 2 years, studying his trade and living in a boarding house with other students. As a young man, Marvin worked in various jobs. He worked with a team setting up seismic measuring devices in Oklahoma and Texas. He lived in Oklahoma City for a time, where he delivered gas and oil to filling stations. In 1947 he moved back to Carnegie where he started dating Xuma McDonald. They married in 1948 and at the invitation of a friend, they decided to move to California and find their future there. Marvin often spoke of traveling route 66. Traveling at only 40 miles an hour, it was a long drive to southern California.They lived in California for 32 years. They found an apartment in Huntington Beach and then Long Beach. Marvin found work in his trade, at first in an appliance repair shop, and within a short time he was working in AC & refrigeration in the construction industry.As he progressed in his trade, he joined the Pipefitters Union and was a sought after journeyman. He worked on the A/C systems in Los Angeles high rise construction, in restaurants, and in Bel Air mansions. He built the refrigeration for the ice-tunnel that was part of the Universal Studios tour, made for the movie "The Eiger Sanction". Over the years, he trained apprentices in the trade, and developed lifelong friendships with young men he brought into the industry. For 71 years he was a proud member of the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States.During this time, he also began a course of study to earn his Electricians license. Which he earned and added to his resume in 1968.Marvin and Xuma raised five children in Southern California. They had homes first in Inglewood and later in Reseda, both suburbs of Los Angeles. Marvin enjoyed many pursuits. With a friend, he built his own motor boats for water skiing. He was a very skilled water skier. Later he enjoyed motor cycle riding, both dirt-bike and road touring. His garage housed many tools, which became a lifelong habit. In 1980, after working 30 years in his industry in Los Angeles, Marvin "retired". He and Xuma moved to Anadarko with their 2 youngest children. Here he began a new career, as a general contractor, sometimes working on his own, and sometimes with partners. He worked in Anadarko and other parts of Oklahoma for the next 37 years. He completed his last home remodel (his daughter's) in 2017 at the age of 93. He had built school cafeterias, pole barns, well houses, backyard pergolas, closets and bathrooms, entire houses, his own home remodel and many, many more. He was especially proud assisting in the construction of the First Baptist Church Youth Center.He also enjoyed fine woodworking; building entertainment centers for his own home and daughter Lisa, gaming table for son Mark, many pieces of furniture for his home and others and a beautiful grandfather clock. He was a master craftsman.For several years in the 80's, Marvin worked the Kansas Wheat Harvest, driving large combines. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years, while his son Mark was young.He was privileged to have traveled throughout his life. He visited Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Canada, almost all of the states in western and central part of the USA. He divided the country into thirds. He had traveled 2 thirds when he passed. He saw Florida and the Keyes just last year. His plan was to complete his USA journey this year, by going to Maine.He passed after a very short illness, having been blessed with good health most of his life.Left to cherish his memory are his children: Lara Bridges, Lona Musik, Lisa Taylor and husband Jon, Mark Schlegel and wife Pamela; eight grandchildren: Kristi, Renee, Aleah, Will, Matthew, Malachi, Jon and Jack: two great children: Jesse and Rebecca and three great, great grandchildren Sallie Jane, Alastair and Rowan. And numerous nieces and nephews.Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, wife Xuma, daughter Lynn, sister Imogene and her husband Calvert. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the 1st Baptist Church in Anadarko. Bro. Lynn Bellamy will officiate. Services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, Oklahoma.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralservices.com

Marvin Berdett Schlegel

August 21, 1924 - April 5, 2022

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services