Marvin (King) Oden was born May 29, 1947 in Akron Ohio, the first born son King Solomon and Dorothy Oden.  Marvin graduated from North High School and went to work for the City of Akron Water Department, but would soon be drafted into the Army where he became a Helicopter Gunner and sent off to the Vietnam War. During one battle, their chopper was shot down and Marvin was MIA for over a week. Marvin stated that when they crashed, he jumped out and started running through the jungle, he always said that God was holding his hand and running with him, hiding with him, every day he would run until they found him.

Growing up in Akron Marvin was known for his speed running Track and playing Football, as a youngster He was very quiet and loved playing with little army men, hundreds of army men playing war.  He would beat up his brothers at the drop of a dime, But never let anyone else bother them.  Marvin loved the Lord and would tell you how God saved him.  Returning home from Vietnam Marvin as no longer quiet or shy, he was taller, stronger and loved to party.  He brought one of the first Honda motorcycles sold and along with Woodall and others started the Zulu Motorcycle Club. He was as much a Zulu as he was a soldier.  Also during this time, he would marry his childhood sweetheart Saundra and to this union were born his two sons Marlon and Marvin.  Always the athlete Marvin now Coach Oden began working with the West Akron Pee Wee Football and from there would coach those same players thru to High school Football at Buchtel High School.  Many great players came through the ranks with Coach Oden; he would coach his sons and younger brothers and nephews and then his greatest passion he would coach his grandson Marlon in track, football and basketball on a State Championship level lettering in all sports.  If Coach Oden wasn’t being a Zulu he was with his grandson, but Marvin was never alone, at his side was his beloved wife of 25 years Janice Oden, somehow they found even more time to be Foster Parents to troubled at risk teens for 16 years, just an amazing life of giving back.  Janice has been a member of Peoples Baptist Church for over 45 years and introduced Marvin to the church again, he said it reminded him of growing up in the church where in grandfather would pastor .

Coach Oden (Marvin) was preceded in death by his parents King Solomon and Dorothy Oden; sisters, Valerie and Patricia Ann as well as grandparents and many relatives.

Remaining to cherish Marvin is his beloved wife Janice; sons Marlon and Marvin; stepchildren,  James (Jerry) Moore and Shawn Moore, grandsons Marlon, and James Cornelius; granddaughter, Carnae, Jelani Ivery, Cary Evege, James and Luther Moore; brother S. Jamal (Debra), Gary, Kenny (Doris), Jeff (Renee); sisters Cynthia Lee-Harris and Judy, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.