Marvin W. Wallen, a lifelong Moscow resident died peacefully in his home May 1, 2022. Marvin was born on Nov.15, 1939 to Wallace W. and Flora E. Fisher Wallen. Marvin grew up on the homestead east of Moscow on what is today Teare Rd. Marvin attended and graduated Moscow High School in 1958.
Marvin enlisted in the Idaho National Guard on August 25, 1961 and was Honorably discharged August 25, 1967.
Marvin began his career after high school as a telephone lineman with a local telephone company and worked on the line between Bovill and Elk River, Idaho. He always enjoyed telling the story about the time a bear chased him up a telephone pole and he was stuck there for hours. Marvin began working as a custodian at Washington State University after a few years with the phone company. At Washington State University Marvin moved from custodian into the Grounds Department and eventually into the pipefitters shop of the Physical Plant in Pullman, Washington. He left WSU in 1974 and went on to work at the University of Idaho in the Grounds Department for 25 years before retiring in August of 1999.
Marvin was a member of the Elks, Moose Lodge and Lyon clubs and enjoyed attending their events, most especially the local dances.
Marvin’s hobbies included hunting and camping at Emerald Creek and Little Boulder campgrounds as well as playing in local volleyball clubs. He also enjoyed visiting his brother Glen Wallen’s home in Elk River, Idaho during the summers to four wheel and sit around the campfire.
Marvin is survived by his sons Darren Wallen, Terry (Cara) Wallen both of Moscow and daughter Debbie (Damon) Ballard of Franklin, Tennessee. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service for all to attend at Moscow Cemetery on June 25th at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at his son Terry’s residence at 1052 Lyon Road, Moscow.