Marvin R. Cain

Funeral Services for Marvin Cain will be conducted from the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, NE on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jones officiating. Military honors at graveside will be conducted by the Holdrege American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the Nebraska Army National Guard Military Honors Team at Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Marvin Ray Cain, 89 years of age, of rural Funk, NE passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. He was born on August 11, 1919, in Phelps County, NE, the fifth of seven children of Homer K. and Emma G. (Hammond) Cain. He received his education from Hayden School District #38 and Holdrege High School. Marvin left school to help his family on the farm after completing the tenth grade. He worked many days for only 50 cents a day during the 1930's. During his younger days, he played baseball for area teams and was an avid sports fan. He was a member of the Holdrege National Guard Unit's Mobilization Company A, 110th Quartermaster Regiment and was called to serve his country during World War II on November 16, 1940. Marvin was honorably discharged on October 15, 1945. During his tour of duty, Marvin and his company traveled in a cadre of 150 through Memphis, TN when they were involved in an incident that made national headlines. They later became well known as the "Yoo-Hoo" Battalion. He achieved the rank of Corporal and proudly served his country in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. While serving his country, Marvin met the love of his life, who happened to be one of his good friend's sisters. Marvin returned home to farm and purchased his first tractor and implements in 1947. He purchased an M&M model Z, a 2-row lister and a 2-row cultivator all for $960.00.

On August 30, 1947 he was united in marriage to Esther Mae Tribble in Winona, Mississippi, and to this union, one son, Roger was born. In 1958, the family made their home north of Funk, NE at the LeWarren Carlson place, where Marvin enjoyed farming and helping raise their son. Esther passed away on March 5, 2005 just shortly after celebrating the couple's 57th wedding anniversary. Marvin continued to farm with his son and grandsons until his passing.

Farming was Marvin's life; once, he even left his wedding ring and one of his fingers in a wheat field. After he retired from farming, he left the big fields to tend to a smaller one, his garden. He enjoyed nature and driving around in his pickup to see what the neighbors were doing in their fields.

Marvin was a member of the Funk Lions Club, The Anderson Township Board, Phelps County Feeders, Funk Telephone, and Funk Rural Fire Department. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV, keeping good records and spending time with his grandsons.

He leaves to mourn his passing his son, Roger and his wife Doris Cain of rural Funk, NE; two grandsons, Adam Cain of Holdrege, NE and Alan Cain of Funk, NE; one brother, Merlen and his wife Dorothy Cain of Kearney, NE; two sisters, Edith Bierman of Kearney, NE, and Alice Nelson of Casa Grande, AZ; one brother-in-law, Carl Tribble and his wife Elgena of New Braunfels, TX, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his Sunday morning coffee friends: Frank and Kathy Vetter.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife and his parents; two brothers, Arlen and Bert; one sister, Ardith Lee; in-laws, Lester Bierman, Elmer Lee, James Nelson, Woodrow Tribble and his wife Beulah, and Herbert Tribble and his wife Winnie.

Marvin will lie in state at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege on Monday, November 10, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A memorial has been established in his memory and is designated to the Funk Lions Club and the Funk Rural Fire Department.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.