Marwin H. McCarty Obituary (1947 - 2015)

Marwin H. McCarty, 67 passed away on July 16 th 2015 in his home surrounded by his family after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Upon being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Marwin never asked “why me”, he held his head high, continued to work until all his masonry jobs were completed, and went about each day whether he be at a baseball game or the hospital with herculean courage and his unforgettable smile. Through the good times and bad he never lost his sense of humor, forever finding a way to cheer you up or make you laugh. Marwin was born in Rockford, IL and raised on the family farm near Harlem Village. He was the seventh of ten children born to Lawrence McCarty and Fannie Crull. Growing up on the family farm taught Marwin many important life lessons and admirable characteristics. It was on the farm where he learned the definition of work, milking cows before school and tending to the fields all summer long. Growing up with so many loved ones around truly helped to ingrain in Marwin a strong sense of family and love for all his brothers and sisters that lasted his entire life. Watching his mother Fannie cook on the farm gave Marwin a passion for food, love of cooking and challenged him to constantly find new recipes. Marwin attended grade school in Harlem Village and graduated from Harlem High School in 1967. Following graduation Marwin completed a Masonry apprenticeship and began working with his brother-in-law Dick. After working at his trade in the Rockford area for several years he moved to Australia in January of 1978 for almost two years. Upon returning to the Rockford area he started McCarty Masonry which he successfully ran for over 35 years, working on thousands of houses and mentoring and teaching many the art of masonry. After coming back from Australia he met and married Joan Peterson. They married on April 30, 1983, settled in Rockton, IL and happily raised their two children Ryan and Ashley. Marwin was a devoted father who made every opportunity to spend time with his family; going on summer vacations, being a Boy Scout leader, umpiring Boy Scout softball games, attending all of his daughter's dance recitals and sporting events. Marwin was an active member of Beth Eden United Methodist Church. He loved being involved in all aspects of the church, from baking desserts for Sunday coffee, greeting people at the door, taking part in drama ministry, reading scriptures, serving communion, leading staff parish and trustees for many years. One of his proudest moments as a man of faith was his mission trip to Uganda. In his spare time he had a great love for nature especially watching any and all types of birds, gardening and all aspects of cooking from finding old cook books at garage sales to perfecting recipes. He also loved watching old movies and television shows, listening to records while he did the “books” for the business. Marwin was a true husband, father, brother, son, and friend who had a moral compass that was unquestioned and a sense of humor that will live on forever. Marwin was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Fannie McCarty. He is succeeded by his beloved wife Joan McCarty, children Dr. Ryan McCarty and Ashley McCarty. Siblings Janis Compton, Dr. David (Christine) McCarty, Bill (Colleen) McCarty, Nancy (Nick) Fiore, Corrinne (Jerry) Norris, Chuck (Kathy) McCarty, best friend and twin brother Maurice ( Linda Ann) McCarty, Linda Robertson, and Ellen (Brad) Carlson, Mother-in-law Helen Peterson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015 in Beth Eden United Methodist Church, 3201 Huffman Blvd, Rockford, Illinois, with Pastor Mario Mayer officiating. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home-Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 24. In lieu of flowers or other gifts an in kind donation can be made to a memorial fund in Marwin’s name that will go to support his church and favorite nature preserve.