Empire City - Marvin B. Herring, 85, of Empire City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, with his longtime caregivers — his son and daughter-in-law, James and Sandy —faithfully by his side.

The family will receive visitors from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Whitt Funeral Home. A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Whitt Funeral Home with Jim Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery with Kelly Jackson, Tony Norton, Paul Griggs, Gary "Bubba" Woods, Bill Gooden and Bob Anderson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Boyd Montgomery, Larry Gene Garrison, and Edwin Laminack.

Marvin was born April 18, 1940, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Earnest and Ola (Fletcher) Herring. He grew up in the Empire community and graduated from Empire High School in 1958. On June 13, 1959, he married Mary Ann Woods, and together they built a loving family and a life filled with hard work, adventure, and deep devotion.

Marvin spent his career with Halliburton, where he worked as a supervisor in the assembly pump shop. He was known for his steady leadership, strong work ethic, and the kind of practical wisdom that made him someone others naturally turned to.

Outside of work, Marvin lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed square dancing, scuba diving, fishing, riding motorcycles, camping, taking cruises, catfish noodling, and — later in life — golf, which he didn't take up until his 60s but embraced wholeheartedly. He loved his church family and especially enjoyed giving his pastor, Jim Wilson, a hard time in the most goodnatured way. Marvin served faithfully as a Deacon and was deeply committed to his congregation.

In 1967, Marvin became the first mayor of Empire, Oklahoma, a role that reflected his dedication to his community. He was also known for his legendary ability to get a tractor stuck in places no one else could — a story his family will no doubt continue to share with affection and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Martha Ward; son, Tony Herring; brother, Gene Garrison; and grandparents: Martha and Thomas Fletcher.

Survivors include his sons: James Herring and wife Sandy, Steven Herring; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, JoAnn Woods.

Marvin's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Centric Hospice for the loving and compassionate care they provided during his final months.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.