Marvin Elmer Gardner

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It was 93 years ago, on Oct. 21, 1922 that a robust 12 pound 3 ounce boy baby named Marvin came into the world, born to Elmer Chauncey and Georgia Alice (Smith) Gardner in the small farming town of Huntsville, Utah. It was a difficult birth for Alice, a woman who never weighed over 98 pounds in her life, but Marvin was welcomed with lots of love into the Gardner family. As he grew, he became a great help on the farm, working in the garden, barnyard, and fields; except whenever the drone of an airplane could be heard over their little mountain valley, Marvin would forget his purpose, stop work, and watch it go from horizon to horizon. Aviation was in its infancy at that time and flying not only captured Marvin’s imagination, it seized his soul. It became the defining feature of his life.
While residing in Castle Dale, Utah, he passed away Sept. 16, 2016 of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 52 years, Ellenor Jane (Parson). Marvin survived by his only sibling, Roland Kendall Gardner of Price, Utah, and his three children, Marvin Arthur (Beverly) of LaGrange, Georgia, Lawrence David (Lana) of Spring City, Utah,and Kathleen Ann (Bryan) Clements of Castle Dale, Utah, as well as 15 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren.
The great depression forced the family to move from Huntsville to Sacramento, California where Marvin graduated from Grant Union High School. During WWII, his passion for aviation steered him into the Army Air Corps where he became a gifted pilot flying B-24’s with the 380th Bomber Group (King of the Heavies). He flew many missions over the islands of the Philippines as well as over Japan itself. After the war he made the military his career where he flew B-29s, B-47s (America’s first jet bomber), and finally, with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) he flew B-52s. He retired in 1969 at the rank of Major but retirement did not end his love of flying. He lived in Heber City and purchased a small airplane which he kept at the Heber City Airport and took to the skies with scouts, skydivers, family members, and just about anyone else, who wanted to experience the thrill of flying.
His military service took his family to many places. They lived in California, Utah, Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Washington, Montana, and Puerto Rico where, being active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he and Ellenor were able to serve in many capacities, strengthening the Lord’s work wherever they went. In 1976-78, they served a mission in Brisbane, Australia.
He worked for Heber City Hospital and Utah Valley Hospital as a maintenance engineer. As a multi-faceted man, Marvin was not afraid of technology. He loved to “tinker” and invent things. At a very early age, he was able to fix most anything electronic or mechanical, from cars to cameras. For a number of years, he held a patent on a low tire warning system for trailers that worked flawlessly. His love of music probably came from his father Elmer who played trumpet professionally during the “big band” era. Following his example, Marvin became an excellent drummer and played in many groups. He also played by ear, the piano, marimba, vibraphone, and organ. He loved nice cars, playing baseball, dancing, scouting, a good joke, singing tenor in the choir, good food, BYU football, and, oh yea, flying.
Marvin was known as a caring gentleman with a generous spirit, always willing to help, not only his family, but his community as well. He served on the Council of the Aging for Wasatch and Emery Counties, the American Legion, as well as other public committees. He received the Silver Bowl Award from Lt. Governor Greg Bell for being the Volunteer of the year in Emery County in 2011. Although generally a quiet man, Marvin’s voice would surely be heard when his sense of right and fair play was offended. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, 10 a.m. at the Castle Dale Stake Center, 35 E. Main Castle Dale. Family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7-8 p.m. at the Castle Dale Stake Center and Wednesday morning from 9-9:45 a.m. Interment will be Wednesday 4:30 p.m. at the Liberty Cemetery, Liberty Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Marvin online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
We love you and will miss you Dad. Say “hi” to Mom for us. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff of the Beehive Homes in Price.