No mere list of dates and names could possibly contain enough nuance to encapsulate the life of a man like Marvin J. Bell, but traditions persevere, and we endeavor to submit.

Marvin J. Bell was born April 5, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Myrtle May and Josiah Taylor Bell. He grew up in American Fork, Utah, with his siblings Lou Jean (Kent), MaryAnn (Bob), and Douglas (Caryl). He attended American Fork High School and enrolled at Utah State University before joining the Army, where he was a mortarman and a recoilless rifleman in Iceland. He was nominated to be a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but was one inch too short.

Marvin served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Virginia and North Carolina and would happily tell stories of his time back East with anyone interested in listening. During his service, he had the unique opportunity to travel with Hugh B. Brown, who served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and in the First Presidency (1961–1970).

Marvin attended Brigham Young University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and his master's degree in Communications and Advertising.

Marvin was a jack of all trades his entire life. As a boy, he delivered newspapers, and as a young man, he worked in the turkey plants of Moroni and the fields of American Fork. After his military service and mission, Marv worked as a tour bus driver, a sales rep for Phillips 66, for the Foreign Study League, and as an advertising man, before opening his own agency in 1974. Marvin changed careers late in life and became a certified arborist in his sixties, never settling and always learning.

Marvin married Sandra Jean Smith in 1963, and together they had three children: Julie, Jeff, and Trent. Marvin and Sandra lived in California and Massachusetts before moving to Salt Lake City in 1971. Marvin and Sandra divorced in 1985.

Marvin married his great love, Dolly Gayle Shell, in 1986 in Spanish Fork, Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Utah Temple on April 16, 1988. Marvin lovingly welcomed five more children into his life: Dalaine, Joleen, LuAnn, Cindy, and Craig. Together, Marvin and Dolly made their home in Spanish Fork, American Fork, and Pleasant Grove before eventually settling in St. George, Utah.

Dolly passed away in 2013, marking the end of one of the greatest loves known to history.

Marvin married Judy Granger in 2015.

Marvin was an avid golfer and fisherman, an expert rifleman, and at times a jogger, a mountain biker, and a swimmer. His love for the outdoors was dwarfed by his love of his Heavenly Father, and his work at the St. George Temple was something he truly cherished. He was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a kind man.

Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolly, and his daughters, Dalaine and Joleen. He is survived by his children: Julie (David), Jeff (Tiffany), Trent (Sheline), Cindy, LuAnn, and Craig. Marvin's posterity includes fifteen grandchildren and thirty-seven great-grandchildren.

Marvin passed away on January 8, 2026, in Spanish Fork, Utah, surrounded by family and loved ones. He will be missed beyond measure by all those who loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Bloomington Hills 3rd Ward, located at 1130 East Brigham Road, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held for one hour prior to the service from 9:00–10:00 am. Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

A special thank you to Bishop Melton and the Bloomington Hills 3rd Ward for their loving service during this difficult time.

Those unable to attend are invited to view the services at the following link: Livestream