Life Story for
Marvin L. Burrell Sr.
Marvin Lee Burrell, 71, of Hailey, ID died December 19, 2014 at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum, ID. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin passed away surrounded by his family.
Marvin was born April 23, 1943 at the Hailey Clinical Hospital. He was the fourth of seven children born to Blanche Bessie and Kenneth Marvin Burrell, and was a lifetime resident of Hailey.
Marvin attended schools in Hailey, and was a member of the Community Baptist Church. He was proud of his military service in the Army National Guard and served for many years as Commander of the local American Legion. Marvin was a member of the local gun club and enjoyed trap shooting with his family and friends. He appreciated great cars, having owned several muscle cars and Porches over the years and participating in local car shows. He also enjoyed skiing, hunting, and fishing. He could ace a New York Times crossword puzzle in record time, and there was never a yard sale too small, too large nor too far away that didn't peak his curiosity.
Marvin married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marla Gay Johnson of Ketchum. They were married in the Community Baptist Church in Hailey on September 8, 1963. He treasured his relationship with Marla's family; Hap, Alma, Dennis, Linda, Benny, Kim, Dana and David. Marvin and Marla became the proud parents of three amazing sons, Marvin Lee Junior, Michael Dean, and Darin Bradley. Marvin and Marla were later divorced.
Marvin had been retired for several years. He was most recently employed by his "truly good friend", Susie Faria, at the Sunnyside Apartment complex where he was living. He took the most pride in his occupation with construction work, doing business as Mr. Builder & Sons. Mr. Builder & Sons gave Marvin an opportunity to have a positive influence not only on his own sons, but on his nephews as well. Previous employment included George Jensen Logging and the Sun Valley ski lifts. He was thrilled to meet many celebrities in Sun Valley over the years who later knew him by name. Marvin became well acquainted with Wood River Valley ranchers as manager of the Silver Creek Supply Company. He owned Bellevue Country Auto Sales, and as a young man, worked in several local grocery stores, including the Hailey Mercantile and the Triple S Market. He especially appreciated working for Ollie Glenn at the Golden Rule Store in Ketchum.
Marvin will be remembered for his wit and sense of humor and for his kindness and devotion to family and friends. Those of us who knew him well are heartbroken and will miss him more than words can say.