Marvin Apple, 85, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on the 19th of December, 2020. He was the devoted husband of Janice Apple.
He was born in Altoona, PA to Joseph and Leora Apple. He completed theological and ministry studies at Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Bible College and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. He served 49 years as a pastor including Newville Bible Church of Elizabethtown, PA, Faith Bible Church of Vineland, New Jersey, First Baptist Church of Bellefonte, PA, and Sunbury Bible Church of Northumberland, PA. He also served as an interim pastor for several churches after his retirement from full-time ministry and was grateful to be a member of the Corporation Board of Lancaster Bible College.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Janice, and their three daughters in whom he delighted: Janna Fravel of Ephrata, PA, Lisa Fisher and her husband, Timothy, of Springfield, VA and Sandra Rathbun and her husband, Alan, of Harrisburg, PA, as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brother, Eugene Apple of Columbia, PA and his sister, Donna Gibson of Lancaster, PA.
He will be remembered for his love for his family and the many vacation memories he made with them, his joy in preaching God’s timeless Word, his love for the congregations he served and the simple joy of a round of golf with family and friends.
Due to the temporary limitations of Covid, the family will hold a private time of remembering the gift of Marvin’s life in January. The family hopes to have a larger celebration of his life with extended family and friends later in 2021. The family would love to have friends share how Marvin encouraged and influenced their lives.
Please visit http://www.debordsnyder.com/ to share your sympathies and stories of influence and encouragement. Your stories will be treasured, shared and printed for his wife and family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Richard Knepp
I know I’m getting old and my memory is fuzzy.For some reason I vaguely remember listening to his daily moments of inspiration on the radio, which I believe was WBLF. He either started with, or ended with, “It’s a beautiful day in Centre County!” Maybe someone can fill in the details. Anyhow, it is a “Beautiful day in Centre County”. Here’s to you Reverend Marvin “B” Apple.
Pastor Theresa M. Heiser
May God comfort the Apple family during this time. My prayers are with you. VBS in Bellefonte is one of my most precious memories growing up! Our neighbors, the Barrs, belonged to the church and would invite me every year and it was truly a blessing and was encouragement much needed. Thank you all for sharing the Word of God these many years.
Deb and Gary Scholvin
Many happy memories of being neighbors in Northumberland and getting to know the entire Apple family. Many lives have been touched by Marvin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christine A Mulfinger
I remember an occasion when Pastor Apple made a special trip back to our local hospital with a coloring book and crayons for my daughter. She was in a room with one of his church members and he was so upset that he did not have a gift for her. May he rest in peace.
linda martin martin
Dear Janna and family
just wanting you to know your in our thoughts and prayers in the passing of your dad remember he had some great messages and a strong faith of truly loving his heavenly father.
Harlan and Linda Martin
J. Arthur Johnsen
I saw Pastor Apple’s notice today.. I was the architect for First Baptist In Bellefonte in about 1975. I think my contact was Bob Bennet? It was a great project that was built perfectly.
My office was in NJ, live now in New Holland.
My sympathy, Art Johnsen
Wes and Claudia Scott
It was truly a pleasure to serve with Marv for many years at Word of Life in Florida. Whether in the dining room or ushering Marv was a willing servant. His smiling face and willing spirit will be missed. We pray for Jan to have peace to get through this difficult time. Remember that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
Jayne Vrolyk
So sorry for your loss Jan. Didn’t know him really but we could tell what a sweet man he was in just the few encounters we had with him. Loren and I send you our prayers for God to bring you and your family his peace at this difficult time. Miss seeing you at wol FL. We both sang in your choir.
Debra Williams Davis
Pastor Apple married my husband and i in August of 1976. We were the last wedding in the A frame. I have fond memories of playing with the girls in the nursery when He and Jan came to candidate at First Baptist and as a family they were in our home often. My parents Martha and Stewart Williams thought a lot of the Apple family and loved the girls. He and Jan called to offer sympathies when my Mom Martha Williams passed away 10 years ago. Keeping Jan and the family in our prayers.
Dennis Davidson
Jan, In the few years June and I were your neighbors at Word of Life we enjoyed fellowshiping and having a meal with you and Marvin. It was my pleasure to visit your trailer to fix your lights and other things that needed repair. I really enjoyed the pies that you made for me in return. Although you will miss Marvin greatly now it’s comforting to know that he is home with the Saviour he served faithfully his entire life. May God draw you closer to him during this time and offer you good memories of the life you shared. Love you and miss you. Dennis and June Davidson
Rebecca Einwechter
I was sad to hear of Pastor Apple’s homegoing, for the sake of Jan and his children and grands. I always enjoyed his preaching at Lebanon Valley Bible Church. Our children knew Tim and Lisa from Immanuel Bible Church in VA. I loved that Marvin always wanted a hug. Sending hugs of love to all the family!
John & Dottie Hunt
Dear Jan & family:
Our hearts and prayers join with you in the sorrow of the sudden passing of our dear friend Marvin. In the midst of your sorrow we hope you will know personally the comfort that God gives us when He gave us these words from Psalm 23:1-4: “The Lord is my shepherd; [You] have all that [you] need. He lets [us] rest in green meadows; He leads [you] beside peaceful streams. He renews [your] strength. He guides [you] along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when [you] walk through the darkest valley, [you] will not be afraid, for [God is] close beside [you]. [His] rod and [His] staff protect and comfort [you].” We will always gratefully remember the encouraging ministry that Marvin shared with our Lebanon Valley Bible Church family as we went through deep water. And Dottie and I will always have fond memories of times we enjoyed with you and Marvin. Thanks for being such great personal friends.
Warren and Pat Whitney
We thank the Lord for Marv’s life in faithfully sharing God’s Word. Many lives have been blessed by the Apple family’s ministries. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Charlie and Dianna Bishop
We were so sorry to hear of Marv’s passing. We have many fond memories of him while we lived in Arbor Gate and beyond. Cards and marbles, root beer floats, Christmas dinners with him and Jan, bike riding through the neighborhood , golfing with Charlie which he so enjoyed, and visits to each others homes once we moved. May you also remember all the good times you had with him and know that he is now in God’s loving eternal care. We were so glad we were able to visit with him last year.