Marvel Gleason was born on January 13, 1924 to James LeRoy and Lucy Marie Kemp in Bird City, Kansas. Marvel resided in Bird City, Kansas during her childhood.

Marvel received her formal education in Bird City, Kansas Public Schools. After graduation Marvel married Clarence LaVerne (Tom) Gleason. After Tom returned home from serving in the military, they resided on a farm south of Bird City, where they provided for their family by farming. In 1959, they moved to a farm north of Bird City and continued to farm. Tom and Marvel spent their retirement years in St. Francis, Kansas.

Marvel accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age and served Him her entire life. She used her talent of playing the piano at the Assembly of God Church in St. Francis, Kansas. Marvel was a great Intercessory Prayer Warrior for her family and friends.

Marvel and Tom were blessed with three children. On January 17, 1945, their first child Monte was born. Their second child, a daughter, Charilyn was born February 27, 1948. Monica was their third child, born on December 12, 1950. Marvel made sure her family was raised attending Sunday School and Church.

When asked what her favorite thing to do was, she would answer "spend time with family." She enjoyed attending the sporting events of Darris, Crystal, and Heidi. And later for Madison and Kobe. She did not always understand the sport, but enjoyed being there with family. She often talked about the special times spent with Kobe on afternoons when he would visit her while waiting to attend his guitar lessons. She always enjoyed the times that ShariLynn, Dana and Susan, Regina, Trevor and Jeff came to visit. She made all visits with her grandchildren special and loved all of them . Being a great example of a Godly Mother and grandmother, she left a great heritage to her family.

Some favorite hobbies were: doing embroidery work , "word search" puzzles, watching "In the kitchen with David", watching SBN, and years ago reading the "kitchen klatter" publication.
Some favorite foods were lemon Oreos, chocolate covered cherries, fruitcake (without nuts) and always biscuits and gravy that her dear friend Pam would bring.

Marvel was a devoted Wife, Loving Mother, and Faithful Friend. She will be greatly missed.

Marvel departed this life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, just 3 weeks from celebrating her 102 birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents James LeRoy and Lucy Marie Kemp, her husband Tom Gleason, 3 sisters Albertice , Iola, Alila, and Her grandson, John Tyler Burwick.

She leaves a legacy of faith, love, and family. Those who cherish her memory include her son, Monte Gleason and wife Carol from Houston, Texas; her daughter, Charilyn DeGood and husband Dwen of St. Francis, Kansas; and her daughter Monica Burwick and husband Rick of Dickinson, North Dakota. Marvel is also survived by nine grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

The Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, December 29, at 10:00 am at the Knodel Funeral Home, 202 South Benton St. St. Francis, Kansas.

Memorials go to NW Kansas Hospice