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Marlin Brittain

Marlin Brittain

September 13th, 1934 - August 13th, 2014

Biography


Marlin Brittain, 79, of Earlham, died Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at the Iowa State Fair. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 18 at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset with burial to immediately follow in the Earlham Cemetery in Earlham.
A visitation will be held from 1 to 6 p.m., Sunday, August 17 at Ochiltree’s in Winterset; where family will be present to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to a fund which has been established in Marlin’s name at the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Box 29 of Winterset, Iowa 50273 to benefit the Iowa State Fair, Madison County Fair, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
Marlin J Brittain was born September 13, 1934 in Madison County on the family farm near Earlham, the son of Clyde and Mildred (Prior) Brittain. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Earlham High School in 1953. His marriage to Gretchen Jamison took place on July 11, 1954 in Van Meter and to this union three children were born, Charles, Marla and Donald.
Marlin would most wish to be remembered as being a farmer but he also worked for the Heartland Coop in Booneville and currently worked with the Burlington Northern Railroad taxiing railroad workers in and around central Iowa. He also worked, along with his wife, at EMC Insurance in Des Moines where he worked in the mail room and eventually had other duties. Marlin was also a longtime Iowa State Fair volunteer and eventually was a paid employee of the fair traveling around the state of Iowa with the Iowa State Fair Float and during the fair working as a parking lot superintendent.
Marlin was a member of the United Methodist Church of Earlham as well as a lifetime member of the American Angus Association. He was also a member of the Madison County Fair Association having served on its board for over 35 years and had served as its president and secretary. He was also active in Lion’s Club and was a music and athletic booster who was helpful in developing the Sports Complex in Earlham.
For many years Marlin and Gretchen owned and operated a food booth at the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival and when they gave this up they continued to volunteer for this event and in 1999 were honored with being named Covered Bridge King and Queen. Marlin loved his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities. He also was also active in helping with the Little Tykes Peddle Pull.
He is survived by his children, Charles Brittain and wife, Candice of Waverly, Marla Cory and husband, Stephen of Maxwell, and Donald Brittain and wife, Lisa of Earlham; a sister, Janet Williamson and husband, Jim of Earlham; a brother, Keith Brittain and wife, Bev of Stuart; sisters-in-law, Louise Sackett of Emmetsburg and Martha Jamison of Indianola; six grandchildren, Christopher (Amy) Brittain, Eric (Janda) Brittain, Kylene Brittain, Jennifer (Christopher) Holmes, Skylar Brittain and Brandon Brittain; three great grandsons, Connor Brittain, Kellen Brittain and Cory Holmes, several nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gretchen who died June 12, 2003; brothers-in-law, Robert Sackett and Floyd Jamison and a nephew.

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Name Marlin Brittain
Date of Birth September 13th, 1934
Date of Death August 13th, 2014
Cemetery

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Funeral Home Ochiltree Funeral Service
Address 1823 North John Wayne Drive
Winterset IA 50273
United States

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Donna (Felker) Bryant, Granddaughter Of Karl And Mildred Forret. published a tribute .

My sincere condolences.

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Bill And Deb Kneller published a tribute .

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Brittain Family. We knew Marlin through his father Clyde who married Bill's Mom (Lodine (Kneller) Brittain. We truly enjoyed Marlin and Gretchen when we had family get togethers. We are so sorry that we missed the visitation and service. We just found out about his passing on Monday afternoon. Please know that we are thinking of all of you at this time. Bill and Deb Kneller

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Randy Bruns published a tribute .

So sorry to hear of Marlin's passing. I have such great memories of Marlin and Gretchen showing up at the basketball games Chuck and I were refereeing in Des Moines or visiting with them when they were in Waverly to see family. Condolences to your family from ours and you are in our though

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Fenster Family published a tribute .

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in Peace Marlin.

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Tricia Knipper published a tribute .

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Brittain family. Marlin and I met many years ago working for the Iowa State Fair on the parade unit and we have been friends ever since. He spoke of his wonderful family all the time and I am greatful to have met you. Marlin was a great friend and always knew how to give me a hard time. Our yearly state fair meal we had together will be missed. Your dad touched many lives and will be remembered as a wonderful individual. I am so glad I got the chance to know him.

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Walt Manning published a tribute .

I ment Martin at the Iowa State Fair Grounds, Picking up and droping off the Fair Parade Unit. Martin loved the Fair and taking the Parade unit all over the State. Shorty after Martin retired the Parade unit stay here at the Fair. Martin would tell me where he was going each night, what FUN! I will miss Martin. My thoughs and Prayers goes out to his Family. Evjoy that great fair you will be pulling that Prade unit in. Walt Manning RIP Martin

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Jan Fletcher published a tribute .

Dear Family, My sincere condolences to all of you. Your Dad was very special to me and members of the community for his leadership and commitment to church, school and community. Let the thought of your Dad being reunited with your mother in heaven bring peace with your days of grief and celebration of his life. God bless your families and Marlin, Jan

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Jane Harrison published a tribute .

Gretchen and Marlin were friends of my parents, Jean and Bob Warren. One time they invited us to their farm to see the chickens and pick up eggs. Our young daughters also got to ride in the Gator, or some vehicle like that. It was a good afternoon for all of us. I think our parents met at the Heart Association meetings, and I remember Dad making signs to put in their yard when they hosted one of the meetings in Earlham. My parents always spoke fondly of Gretchen and Marlin, and I send condolences from my mother Jean as well as from Bob and me. Jane Harrison, Waverly

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Bruce And Marilynn Buxton published a tribute .

Hugs from Bruce, Marilynn, Dale, Craig, Elizabeth, Seth, Ethan and Grant...we are so sorry to learn of Marlin's sudden death. We are praying for your family and sending our heartfelt condolences.

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Barbara (Forret) Felker published a tribute .

My sympathy goes to all of Marlin's family. I remember the good times we had as children at the Jennings reunion usually held at the park in Winterset. Then in later years we would get to gether for Aunt Marie and Karl (my father) birthdays. Quite often we would meet at Marlin and Gretchens for ice cream and cake. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

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Valerie Jordan published a tribute .

I am sorry that you are grieving the passing of your loved one. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I hope you will find some comfort in Jesus' promise of the resurrection, when those who are sleeping in death, will be raised up, and restored back to life. (John 5:28, 29) Lazarus was a fine example of what Jesus can do with the power of Holy Spirit that will be given him by his father Jehovah God. (John 11:35-44) May the words from the scriptures help ease your pain.

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