Charles Marvin Estes of Springfield passed away Tuesday, August 26, at the age of 86. Marvin was born in Springfield on May 8, 1928, to Charles and Blanche, of Everton. He graduated high school from Senior High in Springfield in 1946 before marrying Rowena Netzer on December 21 of that same year. Marvin went on to graduate from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1950. Marvin and Rowena spent 67 years together raising children, running their business, spoiling their grandchildren and loving life. Marvin loved aviation and spent 14 years flying his own Piper TriPacer, putting enough flight hours under his belt to qualify for a commercial pilot's license. Later in life, that love of flying turned to countless hours spent building model airplanes that he flew with his grandchildren. Since 1951, Marvin and Rowena owned and operated Estes Hatchery, the commercial chicken hatchery begun by his father. As a farmer, he spent 20 years in Everton growing pumpkins, corn, watermelons, and more. He was also one of the leading hatchery innovators in chicken breeding and ensured exemplary genetics of all of the breeder flocks for his hatchery over the decades. He was known for his attention to detail and love for technology, keeping up on the latest mechanics and teaching his grandsons as he worked. Some of his happiest moments were in the air, working in his shop, reading stories to a child curled up on his lap, and on the farm. His love of life was evident in everything he did and the way he devoted himself to those he loved. His thoughtfulness, humor, patience and kindness made him a man to be respected, loved and cherished by those who knew him. Whether he was building airplanes, riding four wheelers, having picnics, going on float trips, reading stories or making mud pies, he was the best husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that anyone could ask for. About his grandchildren, he always said, "Spoil them while they're young, it's cheaper that way." He was preceded in death by his son, Charles Mark. He is survived by his wife, Rowena; daughter, Judy Keitzer, her husband, Keith; grandchildren: Sean Richardson, Chad Estes, Kelly Wolfe, and Charlea Mills, her husband, Jonathan; great grandchildren: Abbey and Wyatt Richardson and Liam, Anabele and Gabriel Mills; his caretaker, Will Richardson; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 28, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A small graveside service will be held on Friday, August 29, at 1 p.m. at White Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in Springfield or the American Cancer Society in the name of his son, Mark.