Marvin Lerner

Marvin W. Lerner, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born on July 26, 1937, in Houston to the late Ike and Frieda Lerner, Marvin spent much of his childhood in Baytown before building an extraordinary life defined by family, faith, medicine, discipline, and an unwavering work ethic. Marvin graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, where his lifelong devotion to the Longhorns began, before earning his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch, where the Ike and Frieda Lerner Professorship reflects his family’s enduring commitment to education and medicine. He completed his residency at Baylor and proudly served as an Army physician. He would go on to become one of Houston’s most respected physicians, founding Houston ENT Associates and dedicating his life to caring for others. Over the course of his career, Marvin treated more than 250,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, impacting generations of families throughout Houston and beyond. Medicine was not simply his profession—it was his calling. Marvin loved being a doctor and remained deeply committed to his patients and practice throughout his life. He was equally passionate about business, lending, real estate, and pursuing opportunities, often reminding those around him, “There are more deals than dollars,” and “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Another phrase heard often from Marvin was “Hook ’em Horns,” reflecting his lifelong devotion to The University of Texas. He was also known for his humor and perspective, often saying, “All kids seem smart, until they go to school.” Outside of medicine, Marvin lived with extraordinary discipline and was an avid runner and lifelong fitness enthusiast. He enjoyed Sunday brunches at Cadillac Bar and could often be found two to three days a week at Grotto, sharing meals with family and friends. He and his business associates shared a signature table there where countless meals were had. Carrabba’s was also near and dear to not only Marvin, but his family as well, often referred to as their second home. One year, on Rosh Hashanah, Ann called ahead of time to request apples and honey for their table. Rose Carrabba inquired as to why and once it was explained, she made sure Marvin’s table had the apples and honey from a local grocery store. This touched Marvin, Ann, and the entire family. Rose continued to go above and beyond though, ensuring that every single table was adorned with a serving of apples and honey on every Rosh Hashanah to come. He treasured trips to New York with his beloved wife Ann and looked forward to Las Vegas trips with his children and family. Whether discussing medicine, family, business, or the next opportunity, Marvin valued time spent with the people he cared about most. Above all else, Marvin was devoted to his Jewish faith. He prayed every morning and every evening and remained deeply committed to Reform Judaism and the Houston Jewish community throughout his life. He was an active supporter of Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, Congregation Beth Israel, The University of Texas Medical Branch, The University of Texas, and National Jewish Hospital, reflecting his dedication to education, medicine, and Jewish life. In addition, Marvin set up The Ike and Freida Lerner Professorship at The University of Texas Medical Branch, through his donations and support with the university and medical program, in memory of his late father and mother. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Frieda Lerner. He is survived by his beloved wife since 1971, Ann Lerner, whose love, partnership, and devotion remained central to his life. Together they built a family that was among Marvin’s greatest joys. He is also survived by his children and their families: Bret Lerner and spouse, Valerie Lerner, and their children, Brittney, Mariah, Savannah Love, and Isabella; Machelle Mitch Lerner, and child, Nicole; Shawn Lerner, and children, Zachary and Abby; Michael Lerner and spouse, Dr. Heather Stevenson-Lerner, and their sons, Jude and Ryder; Ilyssa Lerner and spouse, Brandt Marino, and their children, Avi and Tanner; Gabe Lerner and wife, Lauren Lerner, and their sons, Bennett and Beckham. He is also survived by his brother, Bernard Lerner, and Bernard’s children, Doug and Leslie; his cherished great-grandchildren, Gracie, Luke, Daisy, Archer, and Sonny; along with many extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, former patients, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. A private burial service will be held at 2:30 PM, followed by a public memorial service at 4:00 PM at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, 801 Bering Drive, Houston, Texas 77057. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism (https://hcrj.shulcloud.com/payment.php) or The University of Texas Medical Branch (https://www.utmb.edu/giving), organizations that reflected Marvin’s enduring commitment to Jewish life, education, medicine, and community. The family would like to thank Dr. Jianwei Feng for his endless and wonderful care of Marvin as well as the entire family. The family would also like to thank Marvin's dedicated caretakers, Sonia Peart, Ann Marie Hall, Ophelia Adams, and Shaunelle Hall for the love and compassion they extended to not only Marvin, but the family as a whole. Marvin’s legacy lives on through the countless patients he healed, the generations of physicians and family members he inspired, and the communities he strengthened through medicine, faith, philanthropy, and example. Few individuals have the opportunity to touch as many lives as Marvin did—through more than 250,000 patients, over 10,000 surgeries, decades of mentorship, and a lifetime devoted to helping others. He lived with purpose, loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and leaves behind an enduring impact on family, friends, colleagues, and the hundreds of thousands of lives made better because they knew him or were cared for by him. His was a life measured not only in years, but in the extraordinary number of people he healed, guided, supported, and loved.

Marvin Lerner

July 26, 1937 - May 22, 2026