Marvin Read Vernon

Marvin Read Vernon passed away at age 90 on January 20, 2014, at 4:14 pm at the Columbia Crest Care and Rehabilitation in Moses Lake, WA. A Funeral service for him is being held this Saturday, January 25, 2014 in the Nelson Road Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1849 E. Nelson Rd., Moses Lake, beginning at 1:00 pm. Viewing will be held there from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Marvin was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, on January 4th 1924, to Howard Gray Vernon and Ethel Savilla Read Vernon. His brother, Howard Jr. was his only sibling and was born 8 years before him. Marvin attended grade school in Linwood, PA, Jr. High at Eddystone Public School, in Linwood, and graduated "Most Likely to Succeed" from Claymont High School in Delaware, in May of 1942. Sadly, at the age of 15, he came home from school to learn that his father had died suddenly of a heart attack. After high school, in December of 1942, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps as a Private, during World War II.

While enlisted he was transferred to Seattle as a Staff Sergeant, working with B-2 Bombers. There he met his future wife, Nancee Estelle Raines, and was married a few months later on May 26, 1945, in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the war ended they moved back to the East Coast to the small township of Claymont, Delaware. Not long after that, he was offered his first banking job by the owner of the Wilmington Trust Company. He started as a teller there. On August 11, 1946, their first baby, Wendy Lee, was born.

By November 12th 1949, a second daughter, Gail Lynn, was born. The following year, they bought their first car, and a year later, their first home on Palace Ave, Claymont, Delaware. This is where they first came in contact with the Church that would become their way of life: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By 1954 they left Delaware and headed for a new life in Seattle, WA, where Marvin had a position at People's National Bank. They settled in a large two story house on Queen Anne, and it was there that their third daughter, Sandra Jo, joined the family.

In 1958, Marvin was offered an opportunity to manage a new branch of the bank, being built in Moses Lake, WA. The sleek, modern, sandstone building located at 203 E. 3rd Avenue, was then the new People's National Bank. Many residents came in for home, business and farm loans and the bank grew. That same year, their first son, Randall Gray, joined the family. On April 22, 1966 second son, Daren Read was born.

Marvin's promotion to Assistant Vice President took the family back to Seattle. While residing again in Puget Sound, Marvin accepted positions of Sr. Vice President of Bank of the West, and finally, President of Bank of Ballard. A climbing celebrity in the banking business, Marvin turned his interests toward working with troubled banks. This proved to be the greatest asset of his career. His first opportunity was with Northwest Commerce Bank in North Bend, Oregon. He was able to save this bank and sell it to a holding company, becoming Citizens Bank of North Bend. In 1981, after the sale of the bank, Marvin moved to Newport, Oregon and accepted the title of President and CEO of the Bank of Newport. This was to be his chief accomplishment. Shortly after arriving, the bank received a "cease and desist" order from the FDIC "until matters improved". Through hard work, gathering community support, increasing deposits, reducing debt and taking some losses, the bank emerged into a profitable company with two added satellite branches. When Marvin retired on October 31, 1989, the American Banking Association listed the bank as a "high performance bank" and Marvin was rewarded with glowing articles in the ABA and the Oregonian. Radio stations picked up the news and broadcasted reports of his success.

In 1991, Marvin and Nancee returned to Moses Lake, for their retirement. The memories of great friends and a chosen way of life were never forgotten.

Marvin found himself in many positions of leadership during his life. He was heavily involved in the communities where he lived and gave his time to the Kiwanis, the Rotary, the Senior Center, the Chamber of Commerce, United Givers Association, was emcee in many pageants, a supporter of charities, and a donator to people who often didn't know their benefactor. He hosted a radio show once a month, giving financial advice and answering questions for callers. He wrote articles for the local paper. He promoted the Aquarium in Newport, Oregon and served on the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. He served faithfully in the LDS Church, was a Bishop twice, and on the High Council several times. He filled 3 missions with his wife Nancee: Micronesia, England and Arkansas, and served in several Stake Missions. He taught Seminary and worked with the youth. He taught many adult classes and was a student of church doctrine.

Beyond this, Marvin was an avid singer and performer. He was a member of several Theatre groups and performed such lead roles as Jed, in Promised Valley, Harold Hill, in the Music Man, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, Mr. Bumble and on another occasion, Fagan, in Oliver. These are but a few. Many will remember his professionally smooth, dreamy style as a soloist. Marvin never turned down an opportunity to sing. No one will forget his membership in what was known as "The Quartette". The group consisted of Dorse Oman, tenor, DeMar Duvall, baritone, Sheldon Law singing base, and Marv on lead. Their blend was legendary and the number of public, private and special events they performed at cannot be counted. Even after Marv left Moses Lake, the group continued to perform for years to come. Marvin's legacy lives on in his children.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, 3 daughters, 2 sons, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. In death, he looked forward to seeing his parents, his brother, a still born son, relatives and a great many friends who have now passed on. He leaves behind a full legacy.

Marvin Read Vernon was a wonderful father, leader, husband and friend, loved dearly by all who knew him.

Please share your memories of Marvin and sign his online guest register at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements in care of Carver Family Funeral Home.