Marvin Fast, 92, passed away on July 19, 2013 at Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center in Scobey, Montana. Born May 7, 1921, on the family homestead in Lustre, Montana, he was delivered by the local midwife, Mrs. J.J. Baker. Marvin rode his horse or walked to the grade school near the family farm, the Star School, and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1940.
In 1942, at the beginning of World War II, Marvin was drafted into the Civilian Public Service, as his family observed the Mennonite tradition of conscientious objectors. He was stationed at Belton (now West Glacier) at Glacier Park in western Montana where he served four years working with the telephone crew installing lines and clearing timber as they went.
Marvin married Esther Fast in 1944 while on leave from CPS. When his service was complete, they made their home on Esther’s family farm, purchased from Esther’s parents, who moved to Dallas, Oregon. In 1945, their first son, Gary, was born, followed by Terry, Wanda, Dale, Glenda, Ricky, and Kevin.
Marvin’s favorite pastime was fixing things. He also loved moving dirt with big machines. He built dams, dug trenches and graves—or whatever anyone needed done that involved moving dirt.
Marvin received Jesus Christ as his Savior at an evangelistic meeting at church while in his early teens. He faithfully attended Sunday school and church all his life. Giving to the church and missions was a priority for him.
Marvin thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and the grandchildren enjoyed visiting the farm and “working” with Grandpa and driving the 4-wheeler.
Marvin retired from farming in 2000. In 2008, Marvin and Esther moved to Scobey where Marvin resided at the Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center until he went home to be with his Lord on July 19, 2013.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Peter P. Fast and Nettie (Ratslaff) Fast; two brothers, Walter and Ervin Fast; two sisters, Evangeline Wiens and Edna Fast; three infant siblings; an infant granddaughter, Lauren Handran; and son-in-law Dave Handran.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Esther Fast; five sons, Gary (Marcia) Fast of Lustre, Montana; Terry (Mona) Fast of Wolf Point, Montana; Dale (Sara) Fast of Salem, Oregon; Ricky (Alicia) Fast of Salem, Oregon; and Kevin Fast of Belgrade, Montana; two daughters, Wanda (Tom) Ault of Wolf Point, Montana; Glenda (Bill) Fladager of Scobey, Montana; 20 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services are set for 2:00 PM on Thursday, July, 25, 2013 at the EMB church of Lustre, Montana, with interment at EMB Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.