Memorial
Marvin Verle Colton, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on Thursday December 13, 2018, at the age of 88, with his loving wife by his side. A visitation will be held on Monday December 17, 2018 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm followed by a funeral service, burial and reception from 1:00 p.m.to 3:30 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories.
Marvin, born on July 14, 1930 in Jasper, Indiana, was the 4th son to Rev. Ralph B. and Mrs. Blanche Colton. Marvin and his family lived in Jasper until 1945 and moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa when their father became the Minister at Calvin-Sinclair Presbyterian Church.
Shortly after their move to Cedar Rapids, Marvin met his lifelong love and future wife, Lois D. Bammert. They married on June 8, 1952. Marvin enlisted and served with the United States Air Force from 1953 through 1955. During his service with the Air Force, he and Lois started their family of six children. After his years of service with the Air Force he enrolled in Law School with the University of Iowa and graduated in 1958. He opened his first Law Office in Center Pointe, Iowa as a Sole Practitioner. In 1963, Marvin relocated his family to Centerville, Iowa and joined Retired Iowa Senator Hugh Guernsey in a general practice of law and served as the Appanoose County Attorney. Later in years, Marvin opened a Sole Practitioner law firm in Albia, Iowa until his retirement and moved to West Des Moines, Iowa in 2012.
Marvin was very dedicated and devoted with his Christian faith, and with his wife by his side, instilled his beliefs with their children. He and Lois were devoted members with the Presbyterian Church in Centerville, Iowa and after their move to Albia became members with the Methodist Church. Marvin served as an Elder, sang in the church choir, taught Adult Bible Classes and lead numerous services for both churches
Marvin and Lois were active with Bridge Club card groups during their years of residency in Centerville and Albia which created strong friendships with many. Marvin had great admiration for Abraham Lincoln and was always reading publications and watching documentaries about him. He also had a strong interest with the history of the Civil War and became an active member with local Civil War groups. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as tennis, camping, canoeing, fishing and hiking. He shared his passion of traveling and exploring the beauty of nature with his family. Marvin always had to be “on the go” and was not content with staying home over long periods of time.
Marvin, who never met a stranger, was an inspiration to many and loved by all who knew him or met him in mere passing. He had an endless compassion for others and always offered help to those he didn’t even know.
Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Ralph B. and Mrs. Blanche Colton; and his elder brothers Leslie, Eldon and Russell.
He is survived by his loving wife Lois of West Des Moines and children Mark (Vickie) of Perry, IA; Rebecca Colton (Michael Roughton) of West Des Moines; daughter Deborah Brosdahl (Alan) of Lexington, SC; Matthew (Pat) of Des Moines, Iowa; Paul (Disa) of Carl Junction, Mo; and Martha Colton Mack (Larry) of Swansea, SC. His strong devotion and love for his wife, six children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren never went unnoticed because he always made sure he and Lois spent as much time as possible with each of them. His family was his world and he will be dearly missed by all.
The family would like to thank the staff of Everystep Hospice Kavanaugh House, for their wonderful care of Marvin, and extend gratitude to everyone who shared their kindness, love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the Memory of Marvin V. Colton, designated to the End-of-Life Care, Everystep Hospice, Kavanaugh House, 900 56th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, (515) 255-0857.