Cover photo for Marvin Leibstone's Obituary

Marvin Leibstone

April 11, 1936 — September 16, 2025

Lakewood, CO

Marvin Leibstone

Colonel Marvin Leibstone, United States Army (Retired), age 89, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Forest Hills, N.Y. on April 11, 1936, Marvin lived a life defined by duty, honor, and devotion-to his country, his family, and his community. He proudly served in the United States Army for over 36 years, achieving the distinguished rank of Colonel. During his military career, he served primarily in Korea and Vietnam, commanding a unit of Special Forces Green Berets and receiving numerous medals and commendations. Marvin was known widely for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those under his leadership and to his fellow officers.

After retiring from Active Duty and the Reserves, Colonel Leibstone continued to serve others in myriad ways. Working in over 22 countries, the reach of Marvin's skill, talent and wisdom was broad. He served as a consultant, visiting professor, teacher, and prolific writer. He authored countless articles for Military Technology and NATO'S Nations magazines, a wide array of newspapers, and more recently in his several blogs, including "World Affairs Notebook," "The Moral Curve," and "On Point." Marvin also authored four books, "Guardian Down," "Breakaway Days," "Sports and the Heroic," and "World Without End."

Marvin was a devoted husband to Gail, loving father to Michael, Michelle and Stephanie, proud grandfather to Will, Chris, Cate-Elise, Michael, and Matthew. He was a loyal friend to his sons-in-law Marcus and Jeffrey, as well as to his extended family and many others. He was known for his thoughtful wisdom, philosophical insights, sharp mind, dry wit, and deep love of history, justice, and country. Whether leading troops or mentoring young people, Marvin left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at Horan and McConaty 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado, on October 7th 2025, 10:30 am followed by full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 12:30 pm. Immediately following the service, friends and loved ones are invited to return to Horan and McConaty for a Celebration of Life at where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared in tribute to a remarkable man from 1:00-2:30 pm. Colonel Marvin Leibstone's life was a testament to dedicated service, strength, and love. He will be missed deeply and remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marvin Leibstone, please visit our flower store.
In memory of Marvin Leibstone, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

Upcoming Services

Memorial Service

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

10:30am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

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Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation - Southwest Denver/Lakewood

3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227

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Graveside Service

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

12:30 - 1:00 pm (Mountain time)

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Fort Logan National Cemetery

4400 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO 80236

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Reception

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

1:00 - 2:30 pm (Mountain time)

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Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation - Southwest Denver/Lakewood

3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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