Marvin Eller passed away April 14, 2024. He was born March 19, 1939 at Colorado General Hospital in Denver, CO. His parents, Lemuel and Susie Eller and brother Duane welcomed him home to a small farm in Littleton, CO. In 1940 the family moved to Kansas where his Dad started working in heavy construction, building highways and dams in Kansas and other states. Marvin lived in over 30 communities and 7 states throughout his lifetime.
He graduated from South Denver HS in 1957 and worked for the original Frontier Airlines. After a short stint in the US Army at Fort Leonardwood, MO (discharged because of a HS knee injury), Marvin joined the Colorado Highway Patrol in 1964. During the years of service for the patrol, Marvin married and had three children: Meloni, Valerie and Marcus. He was stationed at multiple location in the state. Marvin was elected as Commissioner of the Colorado State Liquor Control Department and served as its Director. In that capacity, Marvin was called upon to testify before the US Congress in Washington, DC. He left Littleton after divorcing. He then retired in 1985 and spent some time in Seattle.
He relocated to Phillipsburg, KS in 1990, where he remodeled and flipped houses and met his future wife, a local art teacher, Bettie (Durfey) Duffy. Bettie brought into the marriage two children, Kevin and Deanna Duffy. After marrying Bettie in 1993, the Ellers enjoyed traveling to many countries, and sponsored student tours to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Marvin and Betty later moved to Canyon City, CO where they owned and operated a frame shop. They eventually retired there, enjoying the beautiful scenery and taking many cruises. They continued cruise excursions even after moving to a lower altitude for health reasons to Newton, Kansas in 2019.
Marvin was a baptized believer in Jesus Christ, attending Newton Christian Church with his wife Betty. He was an avid supporter of Gideon International, who promotes evangelism and distributes free Bibles worldwide.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Betty; children Meloni Drake, Valerie Page and Marcus (Kimberly) Eller; Step-children Kevin (Shelly) Duffy and Deanna Duffy; grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Burial will take place in Phillipsburg, KS. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Marvin and Betty Eller Education Trust Fund or a designation fo your choice and left in care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.