Marvin “Mac” McElvoy 85, Springfield, MO. passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2020, at Cox South Hospital, in Springfield, MO. He was born October 9, 1934 in Campbell, MO. to Violes “Bugs” and Ruby (Cluck) Mc Elvoy. He married the love of his life Letha Mae (Carter) McElvoy, on July 23, 1953 in Senath, MO. after which they moved to St. Louis, MO. Marvin was in the National Guard in the area at the time and received an honorable discharge on November 30, 1961. A hardworking family man, he was promoted to restaurant manager and transferred to Springfield, IL. He later discovered a talent for tailoring and eventually he and his wife opened McElvoy’s Suit Shop, where they sold ready made and custom suits as well as doing alterations. In 1977 he, his wife, and daughter moved to Springfield, MO an area where he could pursue his favorite past-time of fishing in his off hours. They soon opened McElvoy’s Tailor Shop, the first in Springfield. Marvin was especially skilled in working with leather. The shop made custom clothing for many entertainers, including The Presleys, some of which have been seen on television. Marvin was so much in demand, he had to retire three times; finally getting some rest in 2000 after 32 years. Marvin or Mac as he is known to many, loved country music and would sing and dance for his children. He played steel guitar and was sometimes asked to sit in at local hangouts, when he was young. He enjoyed golf, but his favorite past times were fishing and hanging out with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.
After retiring he and his wife moved back to the Bootheel area to be near siblings in their golden years. They then moved back to Springfield last year, out of the insistance of family, who were concerned about their health issues. Marvin was very outgoing, with a great sense of humor. He never met anyone without telling them at least one joke, before leaving. The last few years he developed a close relationship with God and was baptized at Calvary Community Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, MO.
Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Violes and Ruby McElvoy, five brothers: Kenneth, Jack, Udell, Connie Ray, and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Letha, son: Rick McElvoy and his wife, Janet, daughter: Sandra Yeckering ; five grandsons: Sean Riech, Derek and Jason McElvoy, Edward and Dustin Yeckering; two grand-daughters: Stephanie Milner and Ruby Yeckering, eight great-grand-daughters: Ashley Reich, Katlyn Moreno, Mercadez Genatti, McKenzie and Rylie McElvoy, Peyton Schofield, LayLa Pulis, and Aria Milner; six great-grandsons: Keegan McElvoy, Jameson Williams, Logan, Killian, Lincoln Yeckering and Braxton Colon; great-great-grandson: Dacian Scott, sister: Lucretia Stanley and her husband, Tommy; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with services to follow at 4:30 p.m. with Shelvie Stevens officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Louis Children’s Hospital: One Children’s Place, St.Louis, MO. 63110. After services, the family will be gathering at 1000 West Walnut, Springfield, MO friends are invited to attend.