Marvin Lavern Mower1918 ~ 2012Marvin Lavern Mower passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2012, in Salt Lake City at the age of 94 with family by his side. Marvin was born November 16, 1918 in Fairview, Sanpete County, Utah. He was the first of six children born to Heber Lavern Mower and Ethel Louisa Stewart Mower. His great-grandfather, James W. Stewart, served in the Mormon Battalion and entered the Salt Lake Valley with the first company of pioneers on July 24, 1847. During his youth Marvin worked on the farm with his father and grandfather. Marvin said his parents encouraged him by saying, "Now, Marvin, lead out." Along with his studies Marvin enjoyed music and sports. He went to dances, played in bands and ran track. In 1937 he graduated from North Sanpete High School in Mt. Pleasant where he was student body president. Marvin attended Brigham Young University from 1937-40. From 1940-42 he served an LDS mission in the Northwestern States Mission. In August 1942 Marvin enlisted in the U.S. Army, which assigned him to a reserve unit. Marvin returned to BYU, completed his studies and graduated with a degree in music education in 1943. The reserve unit was activated and 150 men marched down University Avenue to the railroad station and left for basic training. Before leaving for Europe Marvin became engaged to Elaine Newquist. During World War II Marvin served as a Chaplain's Assistant to John W. Reeves in the 777th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion of Patton's Third Army. On February 1, 1946 Marvin was married to Ruth Elaine Newquist in the Salt Lake Temple. In 1948 they bought a house on 9th Avenue where they raised five children. Three of Marvin's siblings and their families lived in the neighborhood which made for many happy get togethers. Marvin was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many church callings. From 1961-1969 Marvin served as Bishop of the Ensign 3rd Ward where he was a beloved figure in the lives of many people. Marvin was an excellent speaker, teacher and counselor. Marvin taught early morning LDS Seminary at West High for 15 years. Career highlights: Following World War II Marvin worked as a vocational counselor for the Rehabilitation Division, State of Utah Dept. of Public Instruction. For many years he worked at Stevens Henager Business College where he was a counselor, teacher, and director of night school. In later life he excelled as a Social Security disability claims adjudicator. Marvin was an avid reader. He read the daily newspaper; the scriptures; and books on American and Church history, self-improvement, biographies and Gospel topics. In retirement years Marvin and Elaine toured the Midwest, New England and Canada. Marvin and Elaine served as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple for eight years, a calling they loved. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Elaine Newquist Mower; parents, Heber and Ethel Mower; brother and sister-in-law Royal and Marie Mower; brother Glade; and brothers-in-law Don Larsen and Glen Spencer. He is survived by two sisters and a brother: Ila Larsen of Orem; Cleo Spencer of Salt Lake; Morris (Annetta) Mower of Salt Lake; and sister-in-law Virginia Mower of Fairview. Marvin is also survived by five children, David (Diane) Mower of Richfield, UT; Carol (Rich) Isom of Montpelier, ID; Jay of Portland, OR; Jeanene (Rod) Budge of Salt Lake; and Janice (Dell) Barnes of Lyman, WY; by 19 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and by numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held at the 21st North Ward, 2nd Avenue & K Street, Salt Lake City, on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. A viewing prior to the service will be held from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. On Friday, November 30 a viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Burial in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. The family wishes to thank H. Craig Harmon, M.D., at IHC Salt Lake Clinic; the staff of The Wellington senior residence; Debi Poulsen, R.N., of Curo Hospice Services; and the staff of Larkin Mortuary. Online condolences plus a more lengthy obituary at www.larkinmortuary.com.
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