Marvin Lynn Benner went home to be with to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 14, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving children and his two dogs. He was a God-fearing man whose faith guided his life. Marvin loved his Lord wholeheartedly and was proud to be part of the Susanville Christian Fellowship family. He raised his children and family with those same strong values of faith, prayer, love, and respect.
Marvin was born on September 21, 1939, to Sidney and Viola Benner and was the oldest of many loved children. He was raised in Susanville, CA by his mother and stepfather Herman Williams, whom he loved dearly and proudly considered Herman as his Father. Susanville was always home, and held a special place in his heart, filled with memories and stories he loved to share. He had a love for animals from a very young age, and was rarely seen without a dog or two beside him.
Deeply influenced by his grandmother, Leona “Mosey” Morales, and great-grandmother, Roxie Peconom, they taught Marvin the “Old Indian Ways.” He was incredibly proud of his Native heritage and loved to research and share stories about their way of life.
His beloved Aunt “Awnikins” Lorinda also had a deep influence on him. While growing up on the family’s Mill Creek Ranch, he learned to cowboy and developed a lifelong love for ranching, horses, music and the outdoors.
Marvin carried great pride for his culture and his people and passed those traditions and values down to his children and grandchildren. On many of the short stories he wrote, he proudly included his signature phrase, “By Marvin Benner; An Old Maidu, Atsugewi, Yahi, Holland Dutch.” He was proud to be Native. He was proud to be Dutch, but most of all, he was proud to be an American.
Marvin spent most of his career (1968-2006) working for the Forest Service on the Lassen National Forest, as a Survey Engineer and Tribal Liaison. He took tremendous pride in his work and in the changes he helped make for the Native people and the community. He was instrumental in establishing the Roxie Peconom Campground, named in honor of his great-grandmother and often recalled her picking willow branches and berries from that area. He was also instrumental in developing the Hat Creek Rim Overlook off of Highway 44, as well as many other meaningful projects throughout his career. His dedication, hard work, and love for his people left a lasting impact that will continue for generations.