My father, Marvin DeBolt, passed away last month at the age of 84. I was asked to write his obituary, and I went all-out to write something complete, which meant (at least to me) contacting some of his former employees to get quotes from them. In the newspaper world, my editor would have told me to write a specific story length in “column inches.” But because I had no length restrictions, I wrote at great length. Just as predictably, several people ended up being de facto editors, and the obituary got cut down to size – and then some. I really liked my original version, so I’ve decided to print the whole thing here – quotes and all. This is my tribute to my Dad – a man who was far from perfect but who lived a life that was rich and full. Rest in peace, Dad. You’ll be greatly missed.
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Marvin Moline DeBolt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected figure in the newspaper industry, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 6, 2024, in Highlands, N.C. He was born on June 21, 1940, in Duluth, Minn., to Vernon Lyle DeBolt and “Bobby” DeBolt.
Marvin’s family moved to Odessa, Texas, in the late 1940s, where he worked various jobs at the Odessa American, the newspaper his father published. It was the start of a lifelong passion for newspapers. After graduating from Odessa High School in 1958, he attended North Texas State University, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1962.
He returned to Odessa after college and worked in the Freedom Newspapers at the American and then the Orange County Register in Santa Ana, Calif., before transferring to Fort Pierce, Fla., in 1971 to work at the News Tribune. He later became the publisher of the News Tribune and was transferred in 1980 to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., as the publisher of the Playground Daily News (later the Northwest Florida Daily News).
Marvin remained at the Northwest Florida Daily News for 24 years, during which time he doubled the newspaper’s circulation, making it one of the most profitable newspapers in Freedom. In an April 2004 article announcing his retirement, Marvin said, “My goal when I came here was to produce a newspaper for Northwest Florida that the people would be proud to say was their paper. Over the years, we’ve had a consistently good staff of dedicated people who have contributed to our journalistic and financial success.”
His compassion and care for his employees were perhaps the hallmark of his leadership style and a critical part of what made his newspapers successful. “Marvin preached that any organization’s most important asset is its people, and he took that responsibility seriously,” recalled Tom Conner, former Editor-in-Chief of the Daily News. “He gave them the freedom to do their work to the best of their ability, trusted them to do the right thing, and took joy in celebrating their successes.”
Marvin’s dedication to his employees was reciprocated with unwavering loyalty. They often stayed at the Daily News even when offered higher-paying jobs elsewhere. He fostered a sense of camaraderie and created a work environment where everyone felt valued.
“He knew their accomplishments and their struggles,” Conner added, “for example quietly keeping a terminally ill staff member on payroll to make sure the co-worker never lost health insurance coverage.”
Former Daily News sports editor Arnold Feliciano echoed that sentiment: “(Marvin) was a good publisher who cared deeply about his staff,” Feliciano said. “He took a chance on me to replace an established sports editor. Hopefully, I rewarded his decision. Marvin was a father figure to many and a great mentor to others.”
Beyond his business acumen, Marvin had a zest for life that was contagious. He loved to laugh, and his laugh would often fill the room, bringing joy to those around him. He was often the life of the party and was frequently surrounded by friends who he cherished and who cherished him. He loved old movies, jazz music, golf, and boating. He owned several cabin cruisers over the years and enjoyed taking them out on the waters surrounding his homes in Fort Walton Beach and Destin. A reproduction of a favorite painting that hangs in his home – Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party – resembled many Sunday afternoons spent by Marvin, his wife Carol and their friends at waterfront restaurants in the area.
Marvin retired in 2004 and lived in Destin until 2022 when he permanently relocated to Highlands. He was a member of the Highlands Falls Country Club and loved nothing more than a round of golf on his home course.
Marvin was a kind and generous man who was always willing to help others. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Del Stone, a former columnist at the Daily News, shared a telling anecdote: “One day, Marvin came into the newsroom and addressed all who were present. He wanted to know what we thought was the newspaper’s biggest job in the community. We being newsroom types, responded with the kinds of altruistic, principled answers you’d expect – to be a watchdog for the community, to speak for those who cannot speak, to uncover corruption, etc. ‘No!’ he said. ‘The newspaper’s Number 1 job is to make money because without money you can’t do any of those other things!’ It was the first time I ever really gave thought to the idea that we were a business, not just a caped superhero riding to the rescue of the oppressed. I’ve never forgotten that moment.”
Marvin is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; two sons – Jeff DeBolt (Paige) of Niceville, Fla., and Doug DeBolt (Daryl) of Jacksonville, Fla.; four grandchildren – Andrew DeBolt, Raegan Price, Elizabeth DeBolt, and Jackson DeBolt; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 25, in Fort Walton Beach. A celebration of life will be held in the spring in Highlands, N.C. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
