Hewitt Marvin Duncan

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Marvin Duncan.

Marvin went to be with his beloved wife of 55 years on Monday, May 26, 2025. He passed away peacefully at Chehalis West Assisted Living. Do you need any more proof that she was the love of his life than knowing he passed away 11 years to the day after her passing?

Marvin was born on July 19, 1935, in Centralia, Washington, to parents Hewitt and Hazel (Detering) Duncan. He grew up in Adna with his parents and siblings, Ron and Judie, and lived there until moving to Chehalis West in October 2021.

After graduating from Adna High School in 1953, Marvin began his career at Weyerhaeuser, planting trees. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954, serving for three years and achieving the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged in 1957. He returned to Weyerhaeuser, where he continued working until his retirement in 1998, completing 45 years of service.

Marvin married Janice Leonard on October 2, 1959. Together, they built a life in Adna, raising their two children, Jeff (“Zeke”) and Jenny.

After retirement, Marvin enjoyed many activities. You could often find him out in his shop working on his next project for Grandpa Marv’s Wood Furniture—many of us probably own a piece or two. Even before retiring, he loved hunting trips to the Huntsman Ranch in Montana, duck hunting, fishing, and clam digging. If it involved the outdoors, you can bet Marvin enjoyed it.

He and Janice, often joined by friends, loved traveling—whether it was trips to Reno, the Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton, or the Lucky Eagle Casino, always making sure to stop for the seafood buffet. He was also a devoted grandfather who traveled far and wide to watch his grandkids play sports, rarely missing a game. Every summer, his pool was ready, and the wiffle ball field was mowed and lined. He found immense joy watching his family spend the Fourth of July camping in the field, swimming, and engaging in intense games of wiffle ball. If you stopped by, chances are he had a sporting event or NASCAR on TV. “Grandpa Marv” will forever be remembered by his grandkids as the best hotcake maker in the region.

Marvin was also deeply involved in his community. He participated in Ducks Unlimited, the Eagles, the Elks, and the Adna Lions Club, and he served as a volunteer firefighter for District 6. Many knew him as “Coach,” having coached both Jeff and Jenny in baseball and softball, as well as in the Twin City Youth Football League.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice; brother Ron Duncan; sister-in-law Edith Duncan; brother-in-law John Leonard; and his parents, Hewitt and Hazel Duncan.

He is survived by his son Zeke (Tory) Duncan of Pe Ell and daughter Jenny (Mike) Hayton of Pullman. He leaves behind grandchildren Daniel (Jessica) Duncan of Frances, MacKenzie Duncan of Doty, Dawson (Carson) Duncan of Elma, Chase (Hailey) Hayton of Pullman, and Drew Hayton of Pullman; along with six great-grandchildren: Cohen Smith-Duncan, Paisley Hayton, Lane Hayton, Sophie Duncan, Lou Ann Hayton, and Brody Duncan. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews; his sister Judie (Eric) Fuller of Vancouver; and sister-in-law Linda Leonard of Lynnwood.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Chehalis West and its staff for the love and care shown to Marvin over the past four years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adna Scholarship Foundation in care of the Janice Duncan Memorial Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 93, Adna, WA 98522) or to the Lewis County Veterans Memorial Museum (100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532).

Please join us in honoring Marvin’s life on Tuesday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Claquato Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Adna Grange.

Marvin never cared about material things—only about his integrity and his family. He lived a life anyone would be proud of, in his own signature way. He left this world with no boxes left unchecked, and our lives are all better because he was a part of them.