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Marvin Blacker

Jul. 7, 1936 - Jul. 20, 2021

Date of Service: Jul. 24, 2021

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BURLEY – Marvin Ladell Blacker, 85, of Burley, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at home following a brief illness.

Marvin was born July 7, 1936, in a small farmhouse east of Heyburn, to Alma and Edith (Jensen) Blacker. His family soon moved to a farm his father purchased in the Emerson Area. Marvin spent his childhood on this farm and learned how to do every job presented to him, whether it be running a hay derrick, irrigating or harrowing potatoes with the team of horses. He attended school in Heyburn, lettering in football his junior and senior years. He graduated from Heyburn High School in 1954. He spent that summer helping his father work a new farm south of Burley, then attended college at Brigham Young University later that fall. Another summer of farming and back to school. While attending a “getting-to-know-you dance” he asked a cute little red-head freshman girl to dance. That dance continued for 63 years.

Marvin asked Lovel Louise Wheeler to marry him during Thanksgiving break. After dinner they went out to the new desert farm south of Burley and tied a ribbon on the sagebrush where they wanted the well for their house to be drilled. Marvin and Lovel were married May 4, 1956, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They immediately went to live in a 12’ by 24’ house they had bought and hauled to the farm property. They lived there until 1963 with three children stacked in a triple bunk bed. That year they built a new home across the street. This is the home in which they raised their family, which eventually included six children. It was in this home that Marvin passed, returning to his Lovel to continue their eternal dance.

Marvin and Lovel farmed that piece of land until 2001. By that time, they had taken more than 600 acres out of sagebrush and made a very nice farm. Marvin loved the land; he loved his family and was always finding new ways to keep them busy and entertained. His swing set and tree house are legendary.

In 2003, they served a mission together teaching at the Liahona High School in Nukualofa, Tonga. Marvin taught welding and Lovel taught home economics. This was truly one of the highlights of their journey together.

Lovel passed away in 2019. Marvin was heartbroken and very lonely, but continued working in his greenhouse and orchard and being an integral part of the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Marvin is survived by his children, Teresa (Neil) Ritchie of Burley, Ted (Kathleen) Blacker of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Cindy (Dan) Lloyd of Heyburn, Wallace (Lisa) Blacker of Heyburn, Linda (Tony) Holt of Burley, and Heather (Shane) Waters of Burley. He leaves a legacy of 29 grandchildren and 61 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Pella 1st Ward, located at 152 W. 400 S., of Burley, with Bishop Stephen H. Baker officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn.

Friends and family will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Saturday, from 10 until 10:45 a.m.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/ZrFhZQH-v9I.

A live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/sofuBnt1DY4.

Condolences for Marvin Blacker

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From L D and Jennifer Saget:

Our sincere condolences for the loss of your father. Marvin was a true gentleman in everything and to everyone. We will all miss him but how happy he must be to be reunited with your dear mother. He was an exemplary human being.

From Judy Child:

So sorry for the loss of your father, and grandfather. If it's any help, just think of the party/family reunion he's having with his wife and extended family. May the Lord be with you all and comfort you.

From Linda Anderson:

I am really sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a parent, especially one you have taken such good care of. Like you said you can be happy/sad at this time. At least is is now free of pain and Illness and with your mother.

From Tom Blacker:

I was sorry to hear about Marvin's passing. As I was growing up, he was one of my older cousins. I looked up to him as a role model. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

From Heather Jones:

So Sorry for ur loss!! I will always remember u at the dances at the senior citizens center!!!!!!!

From Marie Gibson:

The Walker family extends their thoughts and prayers to the Blacker family on the passing of our cousin Marvin. He will be missed.

From Al and Kathy Barrus:

Marvin and Lovell were two of our favorite people. They were a wonderful example of how to treat your spouse. They will be missed by many.

From RaNae Bradshaw Traughber:

Marvin’s example of a loving kind husband always touched my heart. I’m happy to have known both of them. What a wonderful reunion it must have been when Lovell and Marvin met on the other side of the veil. Sorry for the loss to the Blacker family but happy for their mom and dad.

From Lawrence "Lash" La Rue:

A friend and 12 year classmate at Heyburn. He will be missed by his friends and classmates.

From Kasie Anderson:

I loved this man! Such a gentle giant. I always felt welcome and loved in their home and I loved my time there! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

From Jack Hill:

Marvin was a good friend and a great teacher. I always learned something when in his presence. May the Lord assuage the family sorrow. He is at peace. We love you and pray for you. Jack & Laura Hill

From Ken & Billie Rae DeNaughel:

We are so sorry for the loss of your father, but know he is in the loving arms of his eternal companion. You have all shown so much love to both of your parents during their illnesses. They both know the love and compassion you have all given to them was unconditional. May you have and feel peace in your hearts now knowing the love was shown and given from your hearts. May you feel peace now.

From Leon Clegg:

Knew the Blacker family well growing up. Marvin and the rest of the farming family were good customers when my parents ran a station on north overland. Alma and Edith were such good friends of my parents. Prayers to all the Blacker family. Your father was such a good honest hard working man.you have a lot to be proud of. Comes from a long line of such good people. May Heavenly Father continue to bless you at this time. Cherish the memories.

From Trish Hirst:

He and Lovell were the best neighbors and friends!!!! I admired the way he treated her—always the gentleman!!! I will always treasure the years I lived in Pella with the Blackers as neighbors and friends. I will be at a family reunion on Saturday, but please know how sorry I am for your loss—but I’m excited he ‘s home with Lovell again.

From Andrea Heiner:

With love from the Heiner family.

From Lanny Ames:

A really fine school classmate and a fine man. Will be greatly missed.

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