Marvin “Skeeter” Broadbent, 88, of Corning, KS, died Friday morning, May 25, 2007, at Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia.

He was born southwest of Corning to William and Gurta Funk Broadbent on October 30, 1918. He attended Kansas Star Rural School and graduated from Corning High School in 1936. After graduation, he began trucking with his brother Allison, until 1941.

On July 16, 1940, he married Merna Allen in Corning. The couple bought a farm west of Corning in 1941 and made their home there. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage before Merna died on December 12, 1982.

Marvin was also employed by Gerald Steven’s Construction from 1952 to 1955. He worked for the Highway Maintenance Department for 31 years and retired in 1984. Marvin continued to live on the farm.

On October 12, 1985, he married Genevieve “Jenny” Rethman. She preceded him in death on November 19, 1999.

Marvin served on the Corning School Board. He enjoyed basketball and refereed for a while; yet, his favorite team to watch was the Jayhawks. Marvin cherished the time he spent with his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed walking the pastures with his dog checking his cattle. He also took pleasure in a good card game.

Marvin is survived by his six sons and wives, Allen and Carol of Blue Springs, MO, Leslie and Candy of Topeka, Richard and Kris, both of Corning, Craig and Glenda of Wichita, and Timothy and June of Shawnee; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Two sisters also survive him, Veda Wells of Topeka and Donna Shepard of Onaga.

Besides two wives, he was preceded in death by a son Kenneth on November 29, 1983, a brother Allison, and two sisters Phyllis Miller and Edwina Johnson.

A visitation will be held on Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Funeral service will be at 11 AM Tuesday, May 29, at the Methodist Church in Corning. Burial will be in the Corning Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eastridge Nursing Home, the Corning Library, or the Methodist Church in Corning, and sent in care of the family.