Marvin Levels
Marvin E. Levels or “Big Coach,” was called home on Oct. 16, 2023. Born to Vernon and Mae Etta Peters Levels in Teague (Dew) on Feb. 20, 1947, he was the first son and fourth of their six children.
As a child, Marvin attended Avant Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School. His educational journey and passion for basketball led him to Lubbock Christian College, where he was an outstanding basketball player.
His skills and dedication led to a prestigious induction into the Hall of Fame years later, a testament to his athletic prowess. After earning his associate degree from Lubbock Christian, Marvin attended Harding University (Searcy, Arkansas) where he continued his academics and exceptional collegiate basketball career.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education/biology in August of 1969. While at Harding, Marvin met Maxine Gardner and they were married on Dec. 20, 1969.
After graduating, Marvin taught in Clarendon, Arkansas and coached basketball for one year. In 1970 he moved to Fort Worth, where he continued his dedicated service with FWISD.
Over his 37-year career he worked at several schools (Trimble Tech, Western Hills, and Wedgewood Middle School) where he not only excelled as a head basketball coach but also coached various other sports, including football, track, and golf. Marvin made a profound impact on the education of countless students/ athletes, leaving an indelible mark on education.
Beyond his career in education, Marvin was a versatile entrepreneur, taking on roles as a landlord, tax preparer, roofing contractor, and more. He found joy in all sports, particularly hunting, fishing, basketball, and football, with a special place in his heart for the game of basketball.
Marvin was not just a man of professional accomplishment; he was also a faithful member and Trustee of Forest Hills A.M.E. Church in Fort Worth. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched and inspired throughout his rich and diverse life.
Marvin was a devoted husband to Maxine for 54 years, dedicating his life to his loving family. Unto this union, four children were born, Reggie Levels (deceased), Tiffany M. Levels, Courtney Levels Sanders (Jimmy), and Marcus Levels (Chelvalier).
Marvin is survived by his wife Maxine Levels and three children, also by five grandchildren, Layla Levels, Maxston Levels, Reagan Levels, Rylee Levels, and Avery Sanders. Additionally, his four sisters and brother, Verna Bazy (Clark), Bertha Conley, Gwendolyn Williams, and La-Vera Levels Burnim (Dr. Mickey), Wilmer Levels (Shirley).
In addition to his immediate family, Marvin is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws all of whom he held close to his heart.