November 11, 1938 – Marcch 28, 2017

Marvin Howard Bantell, Jr, 78, of Renton, WA was called to heaven by his Lord on March 28, 2017 while at home in Renton with his wife, Merrely, at his side. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin H. Bantell Sr and Ellen V. (Heck) Bantell.

Marv graduated from Athens High School (Ohio) in 1957. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering at Ohio State University in 1964, and a MS in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Washington in 1969. While at Ohio State University Marv became a Christian, and was an avid student of the Bible.

He married Merrely S. Miller from Renton in December of 1967. Marv and Merrely moved to San Gabriel, CA in 1970 where Marv was employed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada, CA from 1970-1980. The family moved back to Renton in 1980 for Marv to begin a new career with Boeing, where he worked until his retirement in 2003.

As members of Highlands Community Church in Renton, Marv and Merrely have served in many areas of ministry, especially in adult Sunday school classes and small group Bible studies. In addition to his passion for the Word, Marv was a skilled wood worker, and also enjoyed playing his guitar and mandolin.

Marv is survived by his wife of 49 years, Merrely (Miller) Bantell, their son, William (Bill) Bantell of Arizona, their daughter Amy Ansel (Duane) of Seattle, and his sister, Sherrie Homeier of Springfield, IL. His grandchildren Tiffani Perez (Nathaniel) of Oak Harbor, Zackery Bantell of Oak Harbor, Elle, Coco, and Cash Ansel of Seattle. Nieces Renee Klinc (Dennis), Heidi Minazaki (Wataru) and their son Luke, nephews Christian “Sonny” Homeier, Dirk Homeier (Sarah) and their children, of Illinois.

Marv will be greatly missed by his family and friends. As patriarch of the family, his commitment to love and pray for his children and grandchildren is a testament to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

A memorial service to celebrate his life is planned for later in April.