Marvin was born in Alma, Arkansas, the eldest child to William Monroe and Bessie Hazel (Jones) Willhite. When Marvin was 4 the family moved from Arkansas to California. At the age of 10 his family settled in Hardwick, CA where he was raised until the age of 17 when he entered the Army and served in Germany. His beloved mother fibbed that Marvin was one year older in order for him to serve his country. Marvin entered the Army on Nov 5, 1953 and was honorably discharged in June 1958 where he returned back home to the family home in Hardwick. He was introduced to his future wife, Janis Dean Adams by his much-loved cousin Linda (Shores) Dunlap. Marvin and Janis married on January 10, 1959 and started a life together living in various cities in California which included Armona, Corcoran, Santa Maria, Hardwick, Riverdale, and finally settling in Hanford to raise their 4 children, Dennis, Susan, Jenifer and Charles. Marvin worked for Mobil and Silvas Oil driving a diesel fuel truck over the years delivering fuel to the local farmers in the Central Valley until a freak accident detoured his career to a new direction as Office Manager until he retired in March 2007. Marvin enjoyed rooting for his favorite football team the 49ers on Sundays, spending time with his family especially during Christmas, Easter and 4th of July celebrations and of course John Wayne, Hot Black Coffee and Copenhagen. Most days you could find him in his recliner with an old western on the TV and reading Louis L’Amour books from his book collection.
Marvin is survived by his wife of over 59 years Janis Dean (Adams) Willhite, son Dennis V.W. Willhite of La Mesa, daughter Jenifer (Randy) Burnett of Hanford; Grandchildren: Brandon Willhite, Denae Ike, William Ike III, Adam Ike, Shelby Burnett, Kaycee Burnett, and Shane Burnett; Great-grandchildren: Haylei Willhite, Dawson Willhite, Kambria Willhite and Blaine Mason; brothers Truman (Cindy) Wilhite of Hanford, William “Willie” Willhite of Oregon, Alvin (Tami) Willhite of Kansas; sister Marsha (Brad) Meyer of Kansas; sister-in-law’s Betty(Jerry) Bynum of Visalia, Rita (Yambao) Willhite of Philippines, Michelle Willhite of Kansas and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his cherished children Susan and Charles Willhite; parents W. Monroe Willhite, B. Hazel(Louie) Lorenzo; brothers Larry, Jerry, John and Calvin Willhite; sister Marjorie Genzer; mother-in-law Luevica (Brumley) Adams, father-in-law Charley Adams and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
His wishes are not to have a formal funeral service. The family will have a Celebration of his life for family and friends on Tuesday August 14th from 2:00-5:00pm at his home of 40+ years.
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