On December 11, 2021, Marvin “Marv” Eugene Williams passed away peacefully at home, with his wife by his side, following a brief but valiant battle with cancer.
Marvin was born on August 14, 1946, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Cecil and Verna “Bessie” Smith. After Cecil’s untimely passing, Bessie met and married Barry Williams. Marvin was adopted by Barry Williams. Later, the family moved to Nampa, Idaho and had a small dairy farm east of town. The house is still there today. This is where Marvin learned the value of hard work and began his lifelong passion for cows and the farm life. He attended Greenhurst Elementary, Southside Elementary, and graduated from Nampa High School in 1964. Shortly after he met the love of his life, Nancy Jean Jenkins, and six months later they were married on April 3, 1965. While in high school, Marv enjoyed riding motorcycles and working on cars. He went on to race in several motorcycle races and won a lot of them! As a matter of fact, Marv and Nancy’s honeymoon was spent at a race at Peaceful Cove in Boise while Nancy sat on the hillside watching Marv race and win his 250 cc race on the circle track.
Marvin served 6 years in the Idaho Army National Guard based at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.
During their marriage, Marv and Nancy were blessed with two daughters, Stacy Lynn in 1966 and Kimberlie Ann in 1973.
His work on cars led him to a career as an autobody man for 24 years. He worked for Edmark Chevrolet and Orbendorf and Rowe in Nampa. It was while working at Orbendorf and Rowe that Marv and a few buddies put together and raced a car at Meridian Speedway. Many a weekend night was spent at the racetrack.
Through the years, Marv and Nancy lived in Nampa, New Plymouth and eventually moved to Washington County, Idaho in 1977. First, living in Cambridge and then Weiser. Marv worked for York Chevrolet in Weiser and eventually for Panike Auto Body, also in Weiser. Eventually, Marvin was ready for a change in careers as he had been working on cars since he was 16 years old. He then went to work for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on November 2, 1987 as a road deputy and graduated the POST Academy on December 17, 1988.
Marvin was elected Sheriff in January 2001 and served until his retirement on July 31, 2011. In total, he proudly served the citizens of Washington County for 24 years and 9 months in law enforcement. He affected the lives of many Washington County citizens. He relayed his greatest lesson being in law enforcement was ‘sometimes good people, make bad decisions.’ Over the years he had several people come up to him and thank him for treating them with kindness and respect while holding them accountable for their actions. In 2007 Marvin was President of the Idaho Sheriff’s Association. He was also s a lifetime member of the Washington County Search & Rescue.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, his brother (Frank Howe) and his daughter Kimberlie Ann Evans.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy, his daughter, Stacy Walker (husband Britain Walker), five grandsons Tyson Aubrey (wife Pam Aubrey), Christopher Aubrey, Casey Aubrey (wife Corrie Aubrey), Morgan Evans (wife Karen Evans) and Lawson Evans. Six great grandchildren: Chloe, Curtis, Ava, Emma, Lauren, and Dillon Aubrey.
He will be missed beyond measure! No words can adequately express the loss of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather! We love and miss you so much! RIP Dad, we will take it from here.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Marvin on Thursday January 6, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Vendome located at 309 State Street in Weiser. Please feel free to share your experiences with or stories of Marvin.
