Marvin Stuart Perry

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Marvin Stuart Perry, 87, early Thursday morning, September 17, 2026. He returned to his Heavenly Father after a battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that began in 2023.

 Marvin was born on September 13, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Vesta Matilda Ahlstrom and Edward Clark Perry. He grew up in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1957. He attended BYU from 1957 to 1959 as a chemistry major, then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission, returning with honor in 1961. He returned to BYU for another 1 ½ years (1961-1963). After his Navy service, Marvin returned to BYU in 1969 as a computer science major and graduated in 1971.

 He worked at the Lawrence Radiation and Atomic Energy Commission in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he photographed parts and war-game plans before enlisting in the US Navy during the Vietnam War (active 1964-1966, then reserves until 1970). He served as a seaman and later as a Photographer’s Mate, 3rd class. He worked with the Master-at-Arms and was later transferred to administration, where he wrote a computer program for the directory. He received a Sailor of the Month award in 1966. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

 Marvin married Christine Smyth Brown on February 22, 1963. They had one son, Brent Edward Perry. They later separated and divorced. 

Marvin married Donna Esther Day in the Salt Lake Temple on July 3, 1970. His family grew from one child to six: Ryane Stuart, Jeorgette Elaine, Bryce Allen, Tyler Arthur, and Jinger Esther Perry. They divorced on February 28, 1991.

 He attended BYU from 1957 to 1959 as a chemistry major, then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission, returning with honor in 1961. He returned to BYU for another 1 ½ years (1961-1963). After his Navy service, Marvin returned to BYU in 1969 as a computer science major and graduated in 1971. 

On April 25, 1992, Marvin married his true love, Cynthia Gail Boyd, in Yuba City, California. They were sealed in the San Diego California Temple on April 27, 1996. They were together for 34 years, and Cynthia was with him when he passed away. 

From 1966 to 2001, Marvin worked as a computer programmer and analyst (later Sr. Programmer Analyst) for General Dynamics, the Utah State Board of Education, Western Dairymen, Volcano Telephone Co., and Packard Bell NEC. He then worked as a night auditor at the Holiday Inn Express. He retired fully in 2010 and spent many happy days with Cynthia and their cat, Boots, and later, Sophie.

 Marvin is survived by his devoted wife, Cynthia, of Eagle, Idaho. He is also survived by his sister, Suzann Elaine Hansen, of Mesa, Arizona. His children will miss him: Brent Edward Perry of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Ryane Stuart Perry and Jeorgette Elaine Perry of Rexburg, Idaho; Bryce Allen (Jennifer Gail) of Syracuse, Utah; Tyler Arthur (Michelle Nicole) of Ucon, Idaho; and Jinger Esther Johnson (Michael) of Shelly, Idaho. He is also survived by Cynthia’s children (who love and regard him as a father): Tammy Reynoza (Michael) of Springfield, Oregon, and Tawni Small (Tim) of Gig Harbor, Washington. His grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will miss him dearly. Marvin is also survived by many cousins who loved him.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Clark and Vesta Matilda “Tillie” Perry, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his infant brother; half-brothers Keith Clark Perry (Mary Jane) of Pocatello, Idaho; Robert Arnel Perry (Maxine E) of Riverdale, North Dakota; and Monte Edward Perry (Joyce Adelia) of Bernalillo, New Mexico; and half-sisters Marjorie Eliza Perry of Dillon, Montana; and Verona Bessie Perry of Salt Lake City, Utah; as well as many uncles, aunts, grandparents, and other loved ones who greeted him when he came Home.

A funeral service will be held on October 15th 2026 at the LDS chapel at 7200 Duncan Lane in Boise, Idaho, at 11:30 AM. Military rites will be conducted at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, Idaho, at 1:00 PM. Afterward, Marvin will be laid to rest until his beloved Cynthia can join him.