Marvin E. Tisdale, Sr., age 94, of Harbor Springs (and formerly Farmington Hills) passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023. He lived a very full and joy-filled life. To meet him you soon realized what a kind and very special man he was. He was the beloved husband of Mary “Frances” Tisdale for 56 years whom preceded him in death, as did his son James. Marvin Sr. was a loving father to Marvin Jr. and Diana. Beloved grandfather of Nicholas, Alexandra and Evan and uncle to 4 nieces and 6 nephews. Marvin Sr. was preceded in death by his siblings James L. Jr., Roberta, and Nancy.

Marvin Sr. was born in Kuttawa, Kentucky on the family farm on November 26, 1928 to James and Gladys Tisdale. His faith journey started as a young boy in the pew of Glenn’s Chapel. In 1943, the family relocated to Detroit where he attended Western High School and later graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1951. Marvin Sr. was very active in the Presbyterian Church as a Sunday school teacher and an Elder. 

His very accomplished career started as a sales engineer at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the Detroit field office. He joined Fife Electric Company as Sales Manager in 1962, later becoming a President and full Partner in the early 1980s. He was an avid golfer (as was his wife Fran) and were members of Dearborn, Meadowbrook and Birchwood Farms Country Clubs. In retirement, Marvin Sr. became a “snow bird” and enjoyed a great deal of golf at his home at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In his later years, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs where he enjoyed his weekly Bible Study with the Birchwood Men’s group.

The Tisdale family appreciates all the expressions of love that you have shown. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.