Dr. Marvin Ray Aaron

Dr. Marvin Ray Aaron, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and lifelong warrior for justice, peace, and equality, died peacefully surrounded by family on September 23, 2025. Dr. Aaron was born on June 1, 1944, in Portales, NM. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayland University in Plainview, TX, his Master of Arts and Advanced Education Specialist degrees from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM and his doctorate degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, MO.

Dr. Aaron married Sheila Ann Helton on June 10, 1979, in Sullivan, MO. He and Sheila later relocated and established their residence in Lee's Summit, MO, where they raised two children and lived for more than 30 years.

Dr. Aaron held positions as an educator in both public school systems and higher education, accumulating 40 years of service. He concluded his career with a 20-year tenure as Associate Dean of Student Development at Longview Community College in Lee’s Summit. He led and facilitated diversity training events for academic and community organizations across the Kansas City metropolitan area providing strategies to real-world challenges for the success of inclusive growth.

Dr. Aaron’s classrooms were regarded by colleagues as environments fostering dignity and respect for students, where individuals experienced a sense of belonging and acceptance. As the first member of his family to pursue higher education and obtain a doctorate, Dr. Aaron viewed teaching as a pathway to empowerment and advancement. It paved the way for future generations – his daughter became the second in the family to achieve this milestone, his son the third, with his grandchildren poised to continue his legacy.

Known as a freedom fighter in the way he knew best, Dr. Aaron spent his life teaching and building coalitions across race, faith, and class, always centering the voices of those most silenced. He empowered individuals who previously lacked influence through his speeches he made at community events, which attracted both audience engagement and coverage from local journalists. His MLK Day addresses became meaningful gatherings – where voices from every walk of life found common ground in justice, remembrance, and hope. And he never sought applause, only impact. He prioritized making a difference over seeking personal recognition.

In Jewish tradition, passing away on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is regarded as an indication of a person's righteousness, with the belief that righteous individuals are taken on this significant day. Such a death is seen to signify a life that was fulfilled and a legacy marked by honor. His passing on this significant day is appropriate given his selfless and countless contributions to his community.

Dr. Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary Aaron. He is survived by his sister, Arlene Dixon, Clovis, NM; his wife, Sheila, Kansas City, MO ; daughter, Rachel Aaron, Kansas City, KS, son, Benjamin Aaron and his wife Amanda Aaron, Kansas City, MO, one stepson, Christopher Walker and his wife, Eden Wheeler, Lee’s Summit, MO; four grandchildren, Helton W. Walker, Juniper B. Aaron, Willow W. Aaron, Olive M. Aaron; and by generations of students, colleagues, and freedom dreamers who plan to carry forward his vision and his legacy - a call to action.

A memorial service will be scheduled, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Dr. Aaron may be made to the Metropolitan Community College Educational Foundation. Donors can request contributions go directly to the future scholarship established in Dr. Aaron’s name, an initiative currently in progress.