Marvin F. "Marv" ThomasDecember 3, 1947 - September 6, 2014Marvin Farrel "Marv" Thomas was born on December 3, 1947 to Mae and Elmer Thomas in Twin Falls, Idaho.Marv passed away in his home in Nampa, Idaho on September 6, 2014 after a 5 year long, hard battle against cancer. In true Marv style he continued to defeat the odds thrown at him. Despite the effort of an amazing team of doctors, he could not battle the third cancer (Leukemia) that consumed his body.Marv loved life and lived every day to the fullest. He went through life with a calming demeanor that was shared with anyone in his presence. He loved the great outdoors; he would say any issue could be solved sitting next to a camp fire, river, lake or the ocean. Fishing, hunting, camping: those were the passions in life that were such a part of him. In true Thomas style he could tell you a story that would stay with you forever, mostly because he loved to tell the same story multiple times and you listened with such intent you would never believe you had heard it before. Marv always worked physical labor jobs but his last job as school bus driver for special needs children was in his heart. Even when he was sick he refused to miss work because it was so important for those kids to see his face when the door opened. Marv is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Linda; daughters Michelle (Eric) Erickson, Chrissy (Mike) Olander, Victoria Patterson, Skylar Thomas and Alycia Thomas. He leaves his grandchildren Blake & Carly Erickson, Jenna Olander and Anthony Patterson; his sisters Pat (Darrel) Farnworth and Kathy (Sis) Patterson. He leaves his legacy in these loving family members as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and the extended family and friends he and Linda shared many memories with and opened their home to.Marv was preceded in death by his parents Mae & Hank Collins, Elmer & Charlotte Thomas, Mother in law Fran Jones, brothers Dean, Howard & Homer Thomas. Marv's family meant the world to him. Thomas family reunions were the highlight of many summers. Those of us that remain know that there is some great fishing, eating and storytelling going on right now.A celebration of Marv's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com