Former Assemblyman Marvel dies

John Marvel, widely respected during a public service career that spanned more than 40 years, died Saturday in Carson City. He was 86.

His son, John, said the body will be cremated and his ashes spread over the family’s former ranch in Lander County. No services have yet been set.

Marvel served in the Nevada Assembly from 1979-2008 representing District 32 in Northern Nevada. During his legislative career, he was minority floor leader in 1993, chairman of Ways and Means in 1985 and co-chairman of that committee in 1995.

Prior to his legislative service, Marvel was a member and chairman of the Nevada Tax Commission, president of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and chairman of the Lander County Planning Commission. After leaving the legislature, he served on the Ethics Commission.

During the highly contentious 2003 session, it was Marvel who finally broke from Republican party lines in the Assembly — the so-called “mean 15” — to provide the two-thirds majority needed to raise revenues, balance the budget and end the session. He said at the time his concern was to ensure the funding was in place to hire teachers in time for the new school year.

“John Marvel was a friend and mentor to me when I served with him in the Legislature,” said Gov. Brian Sandoval. “Nevada is stronger because of John’s service.”

“Nevada has lost a great man and well-respected public servant,” Sen. Dean Heller said. “John was kind enough to be both a friend and adviser to me when we served in the State Assembly together, and I remain grateful for his kindness.”

In addition to his son John, Marvel is survived by his wife Wilburta (Willie) and daughters Sharon Marvel Andreasen and Michelle Marvel Slagle.