At 103 years young, Dr. Marvin Lee Lykins continues to inspire everyone around him with a remarkable life rooted in service, compassion, and creativity. This Tuesday, residents, team members, and family at Oakmont of Brookside will come together to celebrate Dr. Lykins’ extraordinary birthday and a legacy that spans more than a century.
Adding to the celebration, Rhodesia Ransom will visit Oakmont of Brookside to present Dr. Lykins with a special certificate recognizing his lifetime of service and lasting contributions to medicine and the community.
Dr. Lykins’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. During World War II, he served in Europe as a medical technician while completing his pre-med studies, even participating in amphibious beach landing training. After the war, he accepted his first civilian medical position at a hospital in Munich, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in healing and care.
He later returned to the United States to continue his education at University of California, Los Angeles, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry before completing his Doctorate in Osteopathy in Los Angeles. Over the next 38 years, Dr. Lykins served as a devoted family physician, becoming a charter member of the American Board of Family Practice and eventually serving as president of the Tulare County Heart Association in 1960.
When Dr. Lykins retired in March 1991, his story did not slow—it simply took a new and unexpected turn. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for growth, he discovered a passion for art. His work in icon painting and mosaics has since been displayed in his church and local museums, including a moving series depicting the Stations of the Cross. These creations reflect the same care, patience, and humanity that defined his medical career.
On Tuesday, January 20, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, the celebration at Oakmont of Brookside will include family, friends, residents, and staff honoring Dr. Lykins’ 103 years. Attendees will also have the chance to view unique memorabilia and photographs capturing moments from more than a century of history—a living reminder of the incredible changes Dr. Lykins has witnessed and helped shape.
Dr. Marvin Lee Lykins’ life is a testament to lifelong learning, service to others, and the power of finding new purpose at every stage of life. As Stockton honors this milestone birthday, the community also celebrates a man whose legacy continues to heal, inspire, and uplift generations.