Boyd Simmons Marble

Bothwell-Boyd Simmons Marble, 83, native of Bothwell, passed away at his home in Bothwell, UT, May 7, 2011. He was born November 4, 1927 in Bothwell, UT to Daniel Milton and Jane Baty Simmons Marble. Boyd was educated in the Bear River valley and graduated with the Class of 1946 from Bear River High School. He was Sophomore class president and Bruins Club president. He earned a medal in athletics that stated he was "an athlete par excellent in track, football and basketball." He was also named All-State Forward while playing for the basketball team his senior year.
Boyd received a football scholarship to the University of Utah, but after fall training he decided to enlist in the military in the US Army. He eventually went to Frankfurt, Germany, as occupation forces and was a member of American Forces Network. When he returned home, he married his sweetheart, Cheryl Rae Cornwall. Together they raised five children; Randy, Brian, Cherie, Greg, Dee M. and a Native American daughter, Louise. Boyd and his family have always worked the land and made a living in the business of farming. As a young married couple, they rented and purchased land to farm and also started a turkey business. He was the Utah Poultry Man of the Year in 1975.
Later the family children and spouses met and worked out a plan to create a business venture that is now known as Chanshare Sod Farms. They all took a "Chance and Shared" in the profits and losses of the Business.
In 1990, after persistent persuasion from his wife, Boyd decided to clean up the old gravel pit on their farm. This was the beginning of Marble Park, and it continues to be a work in progress. It is a beautiful, historical place to visit and is listed on the roster of Historical places to see in Box Elder County. Much time, effort and money has gone into creating this park, and Boyd and his family generously share its beauty with the people the Bear River Valley. Scenic Marble Park provides the setting for many family and community events.
Boyd has been an active member of the community. He was a member of the North Box Elder Community Hospital Board from 1970-1977, helping to establish the dream of a new Bear River Valley Hospital. He served as an assistant scout master and also as scout master. He worked in scouting for 20 years and earned his Silver Beaver. Because of his great love for his country, he served on the committee to build the war memorial in Midland City Square. In 2000 he and his wife were awarded the Andrew N. Rytting Community Service award. Boyd has been an active member of the LDS church, serving in various capacities. He and Cheryl were called as public relations directors in the Tremonton Stake Where they spearheaded the stake's efforts to eradicate and eliminate the noxious weed Dyers Woad. In 1995 they were called to fulfill a mission to Legos, Nigeria. After returning home they became officiators in the Logan LDS Temple.
His favorite pastime was to follow his grandchildren and great-grandchildren from one special event to another. These children continue the family tradition of scholastic and athletic involvement and excellence. Boyd loved the people and the land of Bear River Valley, and has experienced an incredible journey. Boyd is survived by his wife Cheryl; children: Randall B. Elizabeth Marble, Cherie Julie Mac Munns, Gregory Cornwall Bettie Marble, Dee Milton Kari Sue Marble; 1 Native American daughter Louise Curley; sister Delora Bown; 26 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and 3 on the way. He was preceded in death by his son Brian C. Marble.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 12, 2011 11:00 a.m. at the Bothwell Ward Chapel, 10350 West 11600 North, Bothwell. Friends may call Wednesday, May 11, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton, and Thursday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral services. Interment will follow in the Bothwell Valley View Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. The Family suggest donations be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund.