Marvin was born on November 19, 1940 to Robert Glen “Blue” and L. Inez (Folkner) Garrett in Milo, Missouri. He started school in a one room schoolhouse at Round Prairie, then went to school in El Dorado Springs, before attending Nevada High School where he was a dedicated member of Nevada High School’s FFA Chapter. He graduated high school in 1958 from the old Fox theater.
After graduation, he served in the Missouri National Guard until 1964. He worked at Guy’s Foods as a Route Driver and District Manager for 30 years, and at Tom’s Foods as a Route Manager and Troubleshooter for 10 years, winning numerous top sales awards from both. He then worked at Smithfield Foods for 5 years before becoming the owner of The Lawn Guy lawn service for 19 years. He served as a volunteer in the Walker Rural Fire Department for 25 years, many of them as chief, and trained many current volunteers. He also served on the Walker City Council, and as City Constable. He completed the requirements for a certified law officer in the state of Missouri, achieved the highest score for marksmanship in the program to that date. He was a 4-H woodworking leader and was awarded a citation for 25 years of service.
Marvin was a passionate woodworker and could often be found building in his workshop. He was also an avid lover of the outdoors and animals, and he volunteered with the Missouri Conservation Department as a Wildlife Rehabilitator.
He married Myra Jean (Phelps) Garrett in May of 1960, and after her passing married Sharilyn Garrett in August of 1994.
Anyone who knew Marvin knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. Marvin was preceded by his parents, and his first wife Myra Jean (Phelps) Garrett of Walker, Missouri, as well as his sister Doris Keener of Butler, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Sharilyn Garrett of the home, Missouri; four children, Tammy Garrett of Brighton, Missouri, Victoria Garrett of Lebanon, Missouri, Madeline Garrett, Brighton, Missouri, and Dani Garrett, Springfield, Missouri; three siblings, Betty Pitts of Nevada, Missouri, Charlotte Bonjour-Chase of Tecumseh, Kansas, and Glenice Paige of Dover, Florida; numerous nephews and nieces; as well as many, many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Jeff Adams, and Ray Dean Scism officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery in Milo. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service on Friday.
The family asks that anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Marvin do so to the Nevada FFA Chapter or to the Vernon County Historical Society c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
