Marvin L. Wilkie

Marvin L. Wilkie, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Arvada, Colorado on Thursday, August 18, 2016, two days shy of his 89th birthday. He was born August 20, 1927 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, the son of Lexie and Iva (Stembridge) Wilkie.

He married Cheryl Bowler on August 20, 1972 in Denver, Colorado.

Marvin honorably served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1945-1948 in the 8th Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division. In September 1945 the Division was the first United States Division to enter the Japanese capital of Tokyo for occupation duty after WWII.

For 55 years he was an active Charter Member, and Life Member, of the Elks USA Fraternal Organization #2278 in Arvada, Colorado.

He was a talented bricklayer and stone mason by trade, and at one time owned his own business - Arvada Masonry. He was semi-fluent in Spanish which he studied for many years, often practicing with various hod carriers during his bricklaying days. He obtained a real estate license, then he dabbled in real estate for a few years. Being an avid learner, he had a huge interest in history and became a history buff. He also researched family genealogy. At one time he owned a boat and enjoyed fishing at Chatfield. He also hunted deer and pheasant years ago, and also used a bow and arrow. At one time he held a private pilot's license and joined the flight club "Ten High Flyers", and flew the club's Cessna. Through the years Marvin had many interests which included, gardening, collecting coins and stamps, reading books and keeping up to date on current events. He loved conversations where he could talk about what was going on in the world. Musically inclined, he loved classic country western music, and sang and played guitar himself. He was interested in photography and many years ago, before digital photos, developed his own photographs in his basement dark room. He loved to work on cars and was an excellent auto mechanic, before cars became electronic. Marvin was a "jack of all trades" and for many years fixed or repaired just about anything; also making gadgets and tools for his work and hobbies. Marvin was full of life and enjoyed the living of it. He had a positive and loving disposition, was soft-spoken, friendly and kind. His longevity can be contributed to his sharp mind and wit, and his unending quest for knowledge which remained razor sharp until the very last days of his life.

Marvin is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Cheryl Wilkie; two daughters, Patricia (Anthony) Collado, Teresa (William) Taylor; son, Kenneth (Elizabeth) Wilkie; step-son, David (Lana) Bowler; son-in-law, Richard Wallich; six grandchildren, Anthony (Leslie) Rambo, Marcus (Victoria) Rambo, Ryan (Michelle) Wilkie, Brett (Anita) Wilkie, Crystal (Jonathan) Vittetoe, Grant Wallich; two step-grandchildren, Aurora (Spencer) Hendrix, Krystal (Timothy) Andrews; 17 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Douglas Wilkie, and sister, Juanita Windes. He was our family treasure and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Rocket Fund (research of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG)), c/o SBP, Attn: Philanthropy, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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