Marvin Joe Porter

Marvin Porter
Escalante, Utah

Marvin Joe Porter, 82, the husband of the late Gloria Porter passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025 in Panguitch. He was born on May 9, 1942 in Escalante, to Orland “Whitey” and Maralda Chesnut Porter. He spent his childhood growing up in Escalante and was a graduate of Escalante High School.

In 1960 Marvin met Gloria Ricketts of Antimony, and after a short time together they were married in Pioche, NV, then making their home in Escalante. Soon after, Marvin joined the Army where he served as a helicopter mechanic and crew member. After 8 months away from his family he was able to move them to Ft. Riley, KS, spending their next 16 months there where their daughter Natalie Jo was born. Six months later Marvin was deployed to Korea during the Korean Conflict and his family moved back to Escalante for 9 months without him, where his son Lennie Don was born.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, Marvin and his young family moved to several places including Fallon, NV where Marvin worked as a land surveyor, and onto Mesa, AZ where he worked as an engineer for the Tonto National Forest. While living in Mesa another son was born, Scott Allen who sadly only lived three days. Marvin and Gloria mourned this loss the rest of their lives.

Years later Marvin and Gloria moved their family back to Escalante where they both worked for Escalante Sawmills, and for a time their son and daughter also worked there. When the sawmill shut down Marvin returned to the Forest Service and worked in timber management for the Dixie National Forest, which he retired from. He had many fond memories of the people he had worked with in all of these jobs over the years and maintained friendships with several of them until the time of his passing.

Marvin and Gloria’s marriage was solemnized in the St. George Temple on December 2, 1995. Marvin was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of the greatest joys of his life was serving in the 2nd Ward bishopric. Through this calling he developed a strong love for the youth of Escalante, which carried with him the remainder of his life. He could be found at nearly every basketball or volleyball game and was a great supporter of all the youth in the community. Marvin was also an active member of the Escalante Lion’s Club and the Sons of Utah Pioneers. In retirement he had to stay busy and worked for a time for the Flying V Ranch and in the Escalante Cemetery.

Marvin’s greatest joy was his family. He loved all of his family and especially enjoyed telling stories of his ancestors and the history of the community and area. He loved Escalante and would rather be nowhere else. He loved to fish, hunt, camp, cut firewood, take leisurely rides on the mountain, and was skilled with leatherwork. Marvin will be most remembered for his joyful nature; his contagious smile and boisterous laugh. He could bring a smile to the face of anyone regardless of the situation and loved to joke with and tease everyone he came in contact with.

In his last years, he deeply missed his wife, family, and friends that passed on before him and longed to be reunited with them. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel and of his Savior. At the time of Gloria’s passing they had enjoyed 60 wonderful years together.

He is survived by his children: Natalie Jo (Jeff) Outzen, Marysvale; Lennie Don (Gwen) Porter, Escalante; 7 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; son, Scott Allen; parents; in-laws, M.E. “Lyle” and Nelda Day Ricketts; siblings: William “Bill”  Rebecca) Porter, Renee (Boyd) Owens, Darlene (Donald) Griffin; brother-in-law Glade Reynolds.

Per Marvin’s wishes, a short service will be held Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12:00 Noon in the Escalante Stake Center. Prior to the service, a viewing will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM. Interment will be in the Escalante City Cemetery with military honors by the Escalante American Legion Post #0114 and Utah Honor Guard. Online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com below Mavin’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti.