Marvin Richards Perkins November 30, 1929 - August 6, 2026

Some people spend their lives trying to become good. Marvin Richards Perkins simply was. The people who knew him never questioned whether they were loved.

Marvin was born November 30, 1929, in Chandler, Arizona, to Alice Louise Lamkin Perkins and Wilford Richards Perkins. His family lived there briefly before moving to Clay Springs, Arizona, where Marvin grew up.

From an early age, Marvin learned the value of hard work and developed skills in sawmilling, forestry, timber felling, and logging. He was 12 or 13 when he first started working at a sawmill, probably at least in part because the older men were off to war in WW2. His youth also brought significant challenges. When Marvin was 13, he experienced the loss of his 9-year-old brother, Kay.

Marvin graduated from Snowflake Union High School in 1947. He was later drafted into the United States army and served in an artillery unit assigned to help protect the Gulf and East Coast from air attack during the Korean Conflict. His military service strengthened the discipline and sense of duty that remained with him throughout his life.

Shortly after his discharge from the military, Marvin met Anna Christine Anderson, a young schoolteacher who had recently been hired to teach at the Clay Springs School. Marvin and Christine were married on June 5,1953, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on faith, family, hard work, and service.

Together they raised seven children in a home centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Marvin spent much of his working life in the logging and forest industry. Later, he worked in grounds and maintenance for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, retiring from that position.

Throughout his life, Marvin served faithfully in many Church callings and assignments, including the Boy Scouts, Mutual Improvement Association, bishoprics, high council, and bishop. Following retirement, Marvin and Christine accepted a call to serve a mission together in Calgary, Canada. Their mission was cut short when Marvin was diagnosed with cancer and returned home for treatment.

After completing his cancer treatments, Marvin was called as patriarch of the Show Low Arizona Stake. He served as a stake patriarch for nearly 30 years, blessing and serving generations of Church members. His commitment to service continued late into his life as he served as a temple worker in the Snowflake Arizona Temple.

Marvin loved the forest and enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly gathering together to sing around the piano. He dearly loved his wife and eternal companion, Christine. Above all, he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith guided the way he lived, worked, served, and cared for those around him.

Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Christine Anderson Perkins; his parents, Alice and Wilford Perkins; his brothers, Kay Perkins and Lemoyne Perkins; and his great-great-grandson, Cole Wyatt David Perkins.

He is survived by his children: Gary (Darlene) Perkins; Karen (Bart) Murdock; Genevieve Joy Perkins; Richard (Ella Mae) Perkins; Douglas (Lucy Ann) Perkins; Donald (Elizabeth "Beth")

Perkins; and Charlie Perkins. He also leaves behind a large and loving posterity of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Marvin was known for his quick wit and delivered the best one liners. He lived a life of faith, perseverance, hard work, and service. He and Christine taught their family through both word and example to love the Lord, serve others, honor their commitments, and remain close to one another. His steadfast devotion to his family and his Savior, Jesus Christ, leaves a legacy of faith and love that will continue to bless generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at the Clay Springs Chapel on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Clay Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Owens Livingston Mortuary in Show Low, Arizona