Ernest B. Marvel, Sr., age 100, of Frankford, DE went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 11, 2025 at his home.

Ernie was born in Frankford, DE on May 12, 1924 son of the late Francis Kendall Marvel and the late Laura Ruth (Littleton) Marvel.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII in Company B, 179th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry Division.

Ernie served in the Rhineland Campaign, he was given a mission to crawl across enemy lines strewn with mines and booby traps and establish contact with a regiment of men beyond the contested ground.  Successful in that task and return to his company he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious achievement.  Shortly thereafter he was assigned to become a bazooka-man within his Company.  On April 28, 1945 Lt. General Patch selected 28 men with Ernie being one to take the village of Pfaffenhofen in Germany.  As they were approaching the village a well camouflaged enemy tank opened fire on them.  Of the 28 men only 8 survived and eventually they took that village.  He was awarded the Purple heart Medal and also the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.  Ernie's company eventually approached the Dachau Concentration Camp and liberated prisoners on April 29, 1945.  On March 11, 2022 Mr. Marvel received the French Legion d'honneur France's highest honor.

Following his discharge in 1946, Ernest came back to Frankford to farm and worked as a purchasing and receiving agent with Showell Poultry for 29 years.  He then started his own business, Marvel Cleaning Service in 1989 and officially retired in 2014 at the age of 90 from the company he formed.

He was a member of St. George's United Methodist Church, charter member of Mason Dixon VFW Post #7234 in Ocean View, DE, American Legion Post 24 in Dagsboro, DE and the Ocean View Eagles Club #4528.  Ernie enjoyed going to karaoke, attending horse races and playing cards with Harold & Jean Marvel, Wilmur & Doris Powell and Granville & Viola Powell.  He also enjoyed gardening where he kept his garden in meticulous shape sharing his bounty with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Mitchell Marvel in 2005; two sons, Ernest Marvel, Jr. and Benjamin Joseph Marvel; a daughter, Kathy Carey and five siblings, Edna Gray, Kendall Marvel, Raymond Marvel, Elwood Marvel and Elva Brittingham.  He is survived by his son and caregiver, Keith Marvel; three grandsons, Shane Murray, Donnie Carey and Bryan Marvel; two great grandchildren, Lara Carey and Aubrey Marvel; two sisters, Marguerite Stevens and Hilda Parker and his faithful canine companion, Ezmerelda.

A visitation will be held from 10-11:30 AM on Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. George's United Methodist Church, 34337 Omar Rd., Frankford, DE 19945 where the funeral service will begin at 11:30 AM.  Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ernie's name to the American Legion Post #24, 28181 Nine Foot Rd., Dagsboro, DE 19939, Mason Dixon VFW Post #7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970 or the Ocean View Eagles Club #4528, 35083 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970.