Marvin L. Hays, 87, of Allegan died Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born December 7, 1923 in Allegan to James and Hazel (VanKeuren) Hays. He was a lifelong Allegan resident. Marv graduated from Allegan High School and attended Western Michigan University. He owned The Grill Restaurant in downtown Allegan for over 20 years, until his first retirement in 1965. Later he worked for another 20 years at the Harding's Market in Allegan, where he was able to continue working with and for the people of the Allegan area. "Friendly Marv" found great joy in helping and joking with customers. He always tried to bring smiles to the faces of those he came in contact with. In retirement, Marv and his wife, Rachel enjoyed traveling and eventually became "snowbirds", spending winters in Leesburg, Florida. Marv had a lifelong passion for public service. He served as a member of the Allegan City Council for 13 years and served 4 terms as Allegan's Mayor. He also served 8 years on the Allegan County Board of Supervisors and 4 years on the Allegan Board of Education. He was a charter and life member of the Allegan Lions Club, where his club honored him with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He was a life member of the Allegan Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Allegan Jaycees and the Boy Scouts. In 1990 he received a Lifetime Community Service award from the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce. Marv was a member of the United Methodist Church and attended the Assembly of God Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel, in 2003 and a brother, James Judson Hays. Surviving are his two sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Jan Hays of Allegan and David and Terri Hays of Illinois; grandchildren Tony and Aimee Hays, Joyann and Tim Heath, Linda Hays and Karen Hays; great grandchildren Hunter and Landon Hays, 2 sisters; Betty Goodacre and Elaine Cooley both of Otsego, his sister-in-law, Carolyn Hays of Allegan, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 5-8pm at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where funeral services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, April 20, 2011 with Pastor Paul Hays officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Dollars for Scholars, the Allegan Lions Club or the church of your choice.