Marvin LaVell Watkins, 84 was called back to his Heavenly Father and welcomed by his family who passed before him on January 17, 2011.

Marvin was born on June 13, 1926 to Thomas Henry and Jennie McMurry Watkins in the beautiful community of Conda, Idaho. He was one of eight children. Marvin went to school in Conda and Soda Springs and then joined the Navy in 1944.

While home on leave, Marvin married the love of his live, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Valentine, in Malad, Idaho. This union produced three children they are so very proud of, Vickie Lynn, Conrad Thomas and JoLene. They especially loved spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of Marvin's favorite things to do was to hunt geese with his family. On September 12, 2010, Betty and Marvin enjoyed their 66th wedding anniversary. Together, they spent many years of camping, fishing, motorcycling and snowmobiling. After retiring, they looked forward to fall and pulling their 5th-wheel trailer to Yuma, Arizona for the winter. They met wonderful lifetime friends and made great memories.

Marvin is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Councilor in the Bishopric for 15 years as well as Executive Secretary, MIA President and Councilor, a Scout Leader and was a dedicated home teacher.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, Marvin worked for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company in Conda, Idaho until it closed in 1956. He worked for a short time for Patton Linton Cement Plant. Marvin was hired by Monsanto Company where he worked for 32 years, retiring in December 1988.

Anyone who knew Marvin, knew how much he loved to sing and whistle. You could usually hear him coming before you could see him. And he loved to tease. He will be dearly missed.

Marvin is survived by his wife Betty, children: Vickie (Lynn) Stoor, Conrad (Teresa) Watkins, JoLene (Lewis) Humbert , Coralville, Iowa. 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren.1 great great grandchild. Sister, Della (Ralph) Brown, Twin Falls, Idaho, Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Jennie Watkins, brothers: Elzo Thomas Watkins, Willard James Watkins, Darrell David Watkins, Lynn Murray Watkins, sisters: Ruby Ann Watkins Rose and Verda Watkins Jenkins. Two grandchildren: Lance Jay Lish and Conrad Thomas Watkins, Jr. and one great grandchild: Tyson Jade Lopez.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Hooper LDS Chapel. The family will visit with friends on Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Sims Funeral and on Saturday morning from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p. m. at the church prior to services. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs.