Marvin ‘Merv’ Self

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Merv Self, a life-long resident of Monte Vista, passed away in the Del Norte Hospital on July 28, 2022, at the age of 85.

Merv was born on Oct. 11, 1936, to Ed and Estella (Alley) Self, attended all 12 years of school in Monte Vista where he graduated in 1954 and was proud to be a letterman in football, basketball, and baseball.

Merv earned a B.A. Degree with Lifetime Teaching Certificate from Colorado State College (modern UNC in Greeley) and began his professional career teaching and coaching at Basalt High School where he earned Outstanding Young Teacher Award for school year in 1959-60.

In 1960 Merv accepted the position of Accountant at the Monte Vista Golden Age Center, later named the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake, where he was promoted to Administrative Officer and then later Assistant Superintendent.

Merv and his wife, Darla, and their three sons resided on the grounds of the Veterans Center at Homelake until 1987. Merv continued his career as Superintendent of the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home in Rifle until his retirement in 1992.

Merv was passionately involved with the Old Timers Baseball Association since its inception in 1944 as an 8-year-old player and continued as player, assistant coach, head coach, State Secretary/Treasurer, and later board member until 1987.

He was very proud of his involvement in the OTA program which grew to 50 different communities and involved over 10,000 kids throughout Colorado. Merv also served at Cub Scout Secretary/Treasurer during the years his sons Casey, Kirby, and Corky were Cub Scouts. He also belonged to the Monte Vista and Rifle Rotary Clubs from 1980 to 1992.

Merv's other long-term involvements included being a Life Member of the Monte Vista Elks Lodge #2465, Monte Vista Parks and Recreation, Monte Vista Jaycees in which Merv served as District Vice President of Southern Colorado, and Colorado National Director for the Southwest Region. Merv was also a member of the Monte Vista Conquistadors, an organization affiliated with the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, responsible for promoting business and social interests of the general community.

Merv also served as President of the Monte Vista Quarterback-Booster Club supporting all athletic programs and received Outstanding Booster Club award in 1980 and was selected to the MVHS Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

Merv was a life-long sports fan and participant and had many highlights in his life. One of his favorite achievements was pitching a two hitter and hitting a home run to beat the Alamosa Merchants 1 to 0. He continued to play softball for many years after his baseball career ended and was competitive in national tournaments up until 2007.

Since then, he continued to enjoy golf and fish at his and Darla's cabin at Hermit Lakes where he said that he had spent some of the best times of his life with friends and family.

In addition to his wife Darla, to whom he was married for 61 years, Merv is survived by his three sons Casey (Doug), Kirby (Pam), and Corky (Paula) and his four grandchildren Colby (22), Kaylie (20), Bodhi (15), and Lila (12), his younger brother Bill (Peggy) and his sister, Beatrice and his many nieces and nephews.

Merv was preceded in death by his older brother Charles (Chike).

Merv will forever remain in the hearts of the many who have known him during his 85 years and will be greatly missed by all.

At his request, a private 'celebration of life' will be held next summer at the family cabin at Hermit Lakes, which he loved so dearly. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.