Marvin J. Banks October 7, 1948 - October 23, 2022

The world lost one of the very best when the “Marvelous” Marvin J. Banks passed away early Sunday morning on October 23 rd , at the age of 74. He died at home with his wife by his side after a valiant fight with Prostate cancer. Marvin was born on October 7 th , 1948 to John Robertson and Mary Ellen Mower Banks. He was the youngest of six children and the only one born in a hospital. He attended schools in Spanish Fork and graduated with the Class of 1966. Two years later he enlisted in the United States Army where he honorably served with the 249 th Engineering Battalion. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He visited numerous countries while overseas and particularly enjoyed the beauty of Germany and Austria. He was a Specialist 5 (SP5) and received the National Defense Service Medal as well as Medals for Expert Marksmanship with the M-14 and M-16.

In 1976, he met and married the love of his life Karen Marie Peterson of Payson, Utah. Together they had three children, Austin, Amanda and Wesley. A large part of Marvin’s life was his love and devotion for the Fire Department. As a young boy he would ride his bike to the Fire Station to see where the fire was, then would race to the fire and often beat the firemen there. There was a time they even thought he might be responsible for lighting the fires, but they quickly learned that he wasn’t, Marvin just wanted to be one of them and help. He eventually became the Chief Engineer while serving the Spanish Fork Fire Department for forty years. He trained dozens of firemen regarding the ins and outs of the various trucks and equipment. In June, the Utah State Fireman’s Association honored him with his 50-year Membership pin.

Marvin was a very Patriotic man who proudly served his country and community for the majority of his life. He worked for the Spanish Fork City Public Works Department for 39 years. He was the Superintendent over Water and Streets when he finally retired in 2011. He truly loved and appreciated his team. He worked hard to get them the compensation and recognition they deserved for their hard work and dedication. Occasionally, he would get a call from someone when they needed to know where something was, because no one knew the city like Marvin did. Even after his retirement, he had a hard time not being involved with the team and wanted to continue to serve his community.

Marvin was a great example to many and was well known for his hard work ethic and an ability to fix or build almost anything. He enjoyed teaching his children the meaning of hard work and dedication. He was a man who loved his family, both two and four-legged friends, his fellow man, community and country. He lived a humble but gracious life of service and always taught us to love thy neighbor. In turn Marvin was loved by many and cherished his friendships.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Aspen Ridge Home Health and Hospice; especially Andrea, Charity and Angie, who made it possible for us to care for him in the comforts of his home.

We would like to thank everyone who’s had us in their thoughts and prayers as well as those who’ve sent well-wishes, texts, social media posts, cards, emails, etc. The family would also appreciate any memories you’d be willing to share of Marvin. For all the stories we’ve learned about, we know there are many more. There are many things he’s done anonymously over the years. The family would like to preserve and share these memories with his youngest Grandchildren that will not have the privilege of knowing their grandfather and the great man that he was. Please take some time and send your memories to Marvinjbanksmemories@gmail.com

He is survived by his wife Karen, his three children Austin, Amanda (Jerry) Simmons, and Wesley (Jennifer Lewis) Banks. His grandchildren Alissa, Christopher Ryan, Lily, Thomas Brent and Marlie Simmons as well as Asher Wesley and Autumn Sage Banks and his brother Dan M. Banks. He was preceded in death by his parents John R. and Mary Ellen Banks, his siblings Fred, Neil, Barbara (Larsen) and Charlette (Williams) and their spouses as well as his mother-in-law Belva D. Peterson.

There will be a viewing Friday, October 28 th from 6 to 8 p.m. and a viewing Saturday, October 29th from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. with the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Both viewings and service will be held at the 4th Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 353 East 400 North Spanish Fork, Utah. Marvin will be laid to rest at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of your favorite charities. E.g., The Humane Society, Cancer Research or your local Fire Department.

TO VIEW THE SERVICES VIA LIVESTREAM, PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO SERVICES BEGINNING AT 11:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2022 AND CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW