Marvin Gookin

Funeral Services for Marvin Gookin, 89, long-time resident of Fallon County were held October 22, 2024 at the Ismay Community Church in Ismay. Burial followed at Custer County Cemetery.

Marvin passed away in Billings, Montana on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Marvin Horace Gookin was born September 23, 1935 in Ismay, MT, the son of Samuel Lyle and Anna Belle (Johnston) Gookin. He joined siblings Anna Marie and Mary Lou. Another sister, Donna, joined the family a year later.

Growing up on the family farm west of Ismay, Marvin attended Whitney Creek School for eight years. The family moved into Miles City in 1949 when Marvin started school at Custer County High School, graduating in 1953. He spent most weekends at their Ismay home or rodeoing with his friends. His favorite subjects in school were Shop and FFA. The rest he said he would do without!

After graduation, Marvin went to work for John Medearis, spent a few months in Idaho driving, logging truck for his Uncle Earl. In 1957, he and his best friend, Gene Nunn, attended Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri earning the title of Colonel Marvin Gookin. While he never made a profession of auctioneering, he called a lot benefits and fund raisers and practiced by selling off his wife and children in later years.

On February 27, 1960 he married Sharon Beaudet in Miles City. They moved to the Clyde V and Mary Lee Brown ranch on the Little Missouri River where they lived until 1970. During this time they were blessed with two children, Kim Rae and Jimmy Gene.

In 1970 the Gookins purchased their ranch South of Baker where they still reside.

In 1974 Marvin bought a truck and started Gookin Trucking, hauling cattle, hay and feed for many ranchers in Eastern Montana. He added a belt trailer and hauled stoker coal into the Plevna School and several other individuals. He also went into the custom hay business, sometimes roading his self- propelled baler miles to get to the next job. His word was always to be respected. When he said he would be somewhere with a truck or baler, he was there.

Marvin will be remembered for his quick wit, very strong will, love for his family and friends and sometimes quirky sense of humor. He always said what he meant and meant what he said.

Marvin will be greatly missed by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Kim; son, Jimmy; grandchildren, Amber Roberts, Dusty (Zach) Elmore, Gus Cumber, Trista Peck, Kayla (Chris) Carpenter, Kateel (Landon) Melchor; 12 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Shirley Gerke and Bernie Schieffert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Anna Belle; sisters, Anna Marie Smith, Mary Lou Olson, Donna Faye Erlenbush; in-laws, Ray and Mildred Beaudet.

In lieu of flowers the family requested donations to Fallon Medical Complex, Tunnel to Towers, TtoT.org or the charity of your choice.