Marvin Dell Thaxton Sr. of Newport, passed away April 16, 2020, at the age of 94. He was born in Electra, Texas on June 1, 1925, the son of Montgomery Dell (Mon D.) Thaxton and Ida Scheurer Thaxton.
As a young boy, he moved to Newport and was especially proud of achieving the rank of an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Newport High School and attended the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law. During World War II, he proudly served with the Merchant Marines and was stationed in Japan.
On August 30, 1949, he married Carolyn Moore Alexander and was married for nearly 60 years. His law career began in Newport where he practiced for over 50 years. During this time, he was a member of the Arkansas Board of Law Examiners and served as an Arkansas Special Supreme Court Justice. He worked tirelessly on various boards and committees to promote his hometown and was proud to serve as a Newport Ambassador.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served in numerous capacities including teaching Sunday School for over 40 years. The growth of ASU-Newport was very important to him.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth A. Thaxton Sr., his grandson Paul David Henderson and two great-grandsons Andrew David Henderson and Aiden Matthew Henderson. He is survived by his children Rebecca Henderson (Mike), Gail Fogleman (Frank), and Marvin (Mart) Thaxton Jr. (Cindy). He was especially proud of his nine grandchildren: Sarah Pennington (Lee), Matthew Henderson (Chanie), Rebecca Brannon (Stephen), Franklin Fogleman (Kelly), Mary Catherine Fogleman, Lindley Abrams (Chis), Laura Rikard (Justin), Keaton Thaxton (Lindsey) and Clayton Thaxton (Elizabeth). But his greatest delights were his 21 great-grandchildren: Faith, Peyton and Ian Pennington; Chanie Kate, Aaron, and Asher Henderson; Cooper and Brooks Brannon; Lillian and Cross Fogleman; Levi, Reed and Bree Rikard; Christopher, Jackson and Abigail Abrams; Fisher, Steel, and Cash Thaxton; and Collin and Bentley Thaxton.
Marvin was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed spending time at his lake house. Teaching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fish and ski brought him great pleasure. He liked to share that one Christmas he gave all 21 great-grandchildren a shotgun! He loved mentoring young people and never missed an opportunity to help someone in need. His storytelling ability was known and enjoyed by all who knew him. Marvin was always quick to tell others about his family who were a great source of joy to him. He will be remembered as a southern gentleman, a man of impeccable character and a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather who lived out his faith.
Due to the unusual circumstances created by the COVID-19 virus, a private graveside service for family only will be held on April 20 at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport with the Rev. Stephen Brannon officiating.
The family regrets that friends close to him will not be able to attend. Marvin’s grandsons will be his pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Van Manning, Eugene Zuber, Robert Teal, Steven Howard, Frank Plegge, Marvin Ross and Mark Wright.
Memorials may be made to ASU-Newport or to the First United Methodist Church in Newport.
