Marvin Montgomery

Those who knew Marvin Montgomery will all be smiling and laughing a lot less with news of his death from lung cancer on February 27th. Marv had the best bad jokes in town, and one of the biggest hearts in the state. He was 88.

Marvin Lawrence Montgomery was born on December 8, 1935, in Winner, South Dakota, to Blanche (Wilson) and Lawrence T. Montgomery. He grew up with his 11 brothers and sisters in Caldwell, Idaho, in a two-story house with a pot-belly stove and nightly readings from the Bible.

In his freshman year of high school, Marv attended Concordia preparatory school in Portland, Oregon, because his parents wanted him to become a Lutheran pastor. That was not to be his path, however, and he returned to Caldwell to finish school.

Marv joined the Air Force in 1955 and went through basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California. He transferred to Lowry Air Force Base outside of Denver and served as a member of the security detail that kept President Eisenhower secure as he recovered from a heart attack at his “summer White House.”

It was while he was stationed at Colville Air Force Station in Colville, Washington that he met a young woman named Dana Martin. The date of their fated meeting was April 28, 1957, her 16th birthday. The two kept in touch after Marvin was transferred to Alaska and finished out his service there.

Marvin and Dana were married on December 6, 1958, in Colville, and soon moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where Marv began working as a heavy equipment operator at FMC, a job he held until his retirement. Marv and Dana enjoyed bowling and maintained high averages on their respective leagues at Karen and Tough Guy Lanes. They also enjoyed dancing and traveling, and they were always up for a long road trip.

Marv and Dana had two children, Steven and Marni. His son remembers his father’s honesty, like the time Steve found a one-dollar bill on the floor of Frazier’s market and his dad had him take it to the cashier so that the proper owner could claim it. Marni remembers her dad as her enthusiastic soccer coach, and patiently teaching her how to ride a bike, drive, and play golf.

Golf was one of Marvin’s greatest loves, and he continued to pursue his passion—including taking lessons from former golf pros—into his final summer. After nine holes, he could recite to anyone who would listen exactly where he hit the ball on each shot, which club he used, and what he could have done to improve his game. Marv was a golfer’s golfer.

Marvin lost his beloved wife Dana to cancer in 2001. He was fortunate to find love again late in life when he met and married Norma Bullock in 2007 and gained a second family in the form of her three sons and their welcoming families. They enjoyed spending time with family, attending church functions, and entertaining. Sadly, Norma passed away in 2017.

Marv was a lifelong member of the Lutheran church and took great interest in learning more about the teachings of Jesus. An avid reader, Marvin kept by his easy chair many books that deepened his understanding of the Bible and comforted him after the loss of his two great loves. He attended church on Sundays and often participated in Bible study classes during the week.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Morris and Bill; his sisters Irene, Deanna, Laura, Gloria, and Myrtle; his wife Dana; and his wife Norma.

Marvin is survived by his brothers Ted (Linda) Montgomery and Gene (Pat) Montgomery; his sisters Flo (Les) Hopkins and Linda (Mike) Schor; his children Steven (Randy) Montgomery and Marni (David) Montgomery-Blake. He is also survived by Monte (Michelle) Bullock, Bart (Brandie) Bullock, Phillip Bullock, their families, and scores of nieces and nephews.

The family will be holding a private graveside remembrance on March 1st. Those who would like to remember Marvin are encouraged to write a note on the Wilks Funeral Home Tribute Wall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Pocatello, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the tribute wall tab above.