Marvin Paul Burns, 66, of Nappanee, Ind., died unexpectedly at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1947, in Claremont, Minn., to John Burk and Vivian (Clark) Burns. When he was 18 he moved to Goshen, Ind. Mr. Burns was a graduate of Claremont High School, where he played basketball.

On June 26, 1971, he married Judith Miller at the Union Center Church of the Brethren. Marvin was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam from 1966–1968.

Marvin started in the RV business at Monaco Coach in Wakarusa. He had worked at Holiday and Monaco Coach for 35 years and retired in 2009. He holds a U.S. patent for designing a flush floor slideout while working there.

Marvin enjoyed his grandchildren, Hewey his dog, family and his many friends. He enjoyed working in his yard and doing woodwork, especially making birdhouses. Marvin was a member and past commander of the Nappanee American Legion. He was on their funeral detail and worked on many other projects including the recent kitchen project.

Marvin was an avid sportsman, fan and golfer. He especially enjoyed Notre Dame, Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. He was instrumental in starting the Elkhart County Special Olympics Charity Golf Outing in Nappanee. In 2013, he was inducted into the Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame. 

He is survived by his wife; a daughter: Amy (Joseph) Tamburro, Nappanee; son: Eric (Heather) Burns, Osceola, Ind.; grandchildren: Jerrilyn Thompson, Jordan Thompson, Austin Tamburro, Joshua Tamburro, Mckenzie Yoder, Dominic Burns; brothers: Bob ( Donna) Burns, Wisconsin; Gary (Betty) Burns, Calif.; Larry (Linda) Burns, Goshen; Jerry Stevens, Wisconsin; John Burns, Indiana; sisters: Shirley Keck, Minnesota; Beverly (Arnie) Schlinger, Minnesota; and Marilyn Ouimet, Goshen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Margaret Burns; and brothers: Bill and Chuck Burns.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the funeral home. Following the service there will be military services by the Nappanee American Legion. Cremation will take place after services.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Nappanee American Legion or Elkhart County Special Olympics.