Marvin Eldon Gribbons died peacefully at home on November 10, 2018. Marvin was born March 13, 1932 to Martin and Mary in Connersville, Indiana, eventually settling on the farm outside New Castle, Indiana in 1949.
After graduation in 1950, he joined the air force from 51’-55’. He spent 18 months in Casablanca, Morocco. His last station was Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT where he met and married Lillian Schaaf from Glen Ullin, ND in 1956.
They moved to Indiana where he worked at various factory jobs and had daughters Detta and Deana. In 1961 Marvin moved the family to Dayton, OH where he took a job at the VA center. They had their third child, Dundee. In late 1974, he took a job as assistant administrator chief at the Fort Harrison VA in Helena, MT. The rest of the family joined him in February 1975.
After his retirement in March 1987, he and Lil moved to Salt Lake City, then to Bozeman and finally back to Helena in 1991. Marvin lost Lillian to cancer on November 19, 1994.
He loved working around the house, fishing in the Little Blackfoot River, enjoying the family, and smoking his cigars.
He is preceded in death by his wife Lillian, brother Delbert, father and mother Martin and Mary. He is survived by daughters Detta Gribbons (Milt Wilson) of Boulder, MT, Deana Deffinbaugh (Lyle) of Bridger, MT, son Dundee Gribbons (Debbie) of Helena, MT, 8 grandkids, and 5 great grandkids.
A viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 19, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. The burial with military honors will follow the service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will be held after the burial at the Fort Harrison Service Club. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Marvin’s name to the Special Olympics, PO Box 6693, Helena, MT 59604. Checks written out to Special Olympics Montana, and in memo: Capital High Bruins. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Marvin.
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday November 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Monday November 19, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Monday November 19, 2018
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrsion, Montana
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday November 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Monday November 19, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Monday November 19, 2018
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrsion, Montana
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Norman Family says
Dundee, Debbie, Lillian, and Gracie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of loss.
Ben, Terri and Kyle
Linda Pfister says
Dundee and family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, Dundee. Thinking of you and your family.
Linda Pfister
Maureen Finstad says
Mr. Gribbons was one of my bosses at Fort Harrison. I was his Secretary and enjoyed working with Marvin very much. We both left Fort Harrison at the same time. We had our going-away party along with another employee at the same time. I want to offer my sincere sympathy to the whole family. Dundee, do you remember buying my car? I hope you will remember me and my Mom -you did some yard work for her. Your Dad was such a nice person and so was your Mom. Only time will ease your loss and pain. I will say a prayer for all of you. Since I live in Vancouver,WA., I could not be present at the service.