Marvin “Marvelous” Lynn Carlston, 68, passed away on August 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by his sweetheart and family after a sudden, devastating late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis and 7 long months of excruciating pain 24/7.
He was born on June 13, 1957, in Paso Roblos, California, to Nancy Lou Stuart and Leon James Carlston. Marvin grew up in the Sugarhouse area where he lived by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Granite High School. He attended Trade Tech and earned his associate’s degree in Machine Shop. He then went on to attend the University of Utah earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1983. Marvelous met and married his sweetheart, Sherell Lee Odin in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 44th anniversary with family and friends. He was a very kind, caring, loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Marvin was raised to be hard-working, loyal, loving and caring. Family meant everything to him and that is who he did everything for. Marvelous enjoyed huge family bowhunting and fishing trips. Anything to do with family! He enjoyed watching others catch fish and bag their big game animals and birds.
Marvin had many great skills that he learned from his uncles when helping to build their home and others. He also had many jobs, working at a nursery potting small plants, working in the back of Dans grocery store on 9th East, Pemco as a welder and machinist, CENTEK, where he designed an automated machine to build floppy discs for computers, Hercules, where he designed rocket motors, Valtek, where he designed and built large valves, while at the same time he built/worked his own business, Gold Tip Arrows/Gladiator Broadheads. He would beg his sweetheart to bring his boys over to do homework and have dinner with him while we built arrows and broadheads for archers and his final job at Detroit Diesel in Tooele. He loved how he cleaned up the shop and made it more automated and innovative… His words!! Then he retired in February 2025 and 2 weeks later became very, very ill, and 2 weeks later he was diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer …Not cool! Not in the plan at all!
Marvin was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to his family. He held many callings in the church. Working with toddlers to 18-year-olds and adults, he loved it all. His least favorite thing to do at church and at work was to talk in front of big groups of people. But he did it anyway and did a great job!
Marvin was a board member of the ATA/Archery Trade Association for 2 years. He had a great part in the decision making that helped archery grow in our states and in our school NASP archery program. He was very proud of his achievements in both his family and his business, until it grew too quickly and some bad banking decisions were made and ownership changed hands. He took it very hard.
Marvin was a great problem solver; he had a great mind and a HUGE heart!
Marvelous is survived by his sweetheart, Sherell, their sons Anthony (Mariana), Darin, Matthew/Mags, Jonathan (Maggie), his grandchildren, Ethan, Grace/Len, Nataly, Helaman, Margaux, Moroni, Samuel, and (Mailey, to be born in October 2025. He is also survived by his brother Ron, and sister Janet (Randy) and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many devoted close friends and neighbors. Preceded in death by his loving parents, Nancy and Leon Carlston, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, mother-in-law, sisters in law and many friends.
Marvelous lived his life to the absolute fullest—quietly, faithfully, devoted to his wife, boys, daughters and grandchildren, all with a kind and beautiful heart!
His last words to our family were…I LOVE YOU! NOW GET TO WORK!!
A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held on August 22nd and August 23rd: A viewing will be held from 6pm-8pm on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Sunset Building/Lehi 22nd Ward (721 West 2100 North, Lehi, Utah 84043).
A celebration of life and viewing will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with the viewing from 10am-10:45am and the celebration of life services from 11am -12:30pm (Sunset Building/Lehi 22nd Ward- 721 West 2100 North Lehi, Utah 84043).
Interment will be at the Lehi City Cemetery (1525 North 600 East, Lehi, Utah 84043).
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations in behalf of Marvelous to help pay for medical, end of life and burial expenses to their VENMO @Sherell-Carlston
Marvin Carlston’s Legacy in Archery & Innovation
With more than 57 years of archery experience, Marvin Carlston has left an enduring mark on the outdoor industry. He harvested his first big game mule deer at just 16 years old, sparking a lifelong passion that would shape the course of modern archery.
In 1989, Marvin founded Gold Tip Inc., which quickly became one of the most respected arrow manufacturers in the world. His leadership and vision earned him two terms on the ATA Board of Directors, serving the industry from 2002 through 2008. In December 2009, after decades of innovation, Marvin retired from Gold Tip.
Retirement, however, only fueled his drive. By 2010, he launched Shooting Edge Technology and Bow Safe, while also continuing his work as co-founder of Save Outdoor Sports (founded in 2004). Each venture carried the same mission—creating technically advanced, field-tested products that improve performance for sportsmen, while also supporting dealers with gear that sells.
Marvin’s dedication was never just about products; it was about legacy. Today, his sons and grandchildren continue to operate the business, keeping his vision alive. They remain committed to designing gear made by sportsmen, for sportsmen—products that are tested in the field, backed by innovation, and supported with the personalized service of a family-owned company.
Just as Gold Tip revolutionized arrows, Shooting Edge and its family of brands are reshaping the archery industry once again. Marvin’s spirit of innovation lives on, driving forward a monumental shift for hunters, shooters, and dealers alike.
Explore his legacy and today’s innovations at:
- www.shootingedge.com
- www.saveoutdoorsports.com
- www.air-botl.com
- www.protxhandguard.com
- www.allicinus.com
You are part of his legacy. Just as Fred Bear inspired generations, Marvin Carlston built a path for the future of archery.
Related posts:
Remembering Frank R. Brownell III (1939 – 2025)
Ohio Wildlife Council Considers Proposed Dates and Rule Changes for 2025-2026 Hunting and Trapping Seasons
USA’s Team Confirmed for the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships in Canada
2025 NASP® Bullseye National Overall Champions Featured in the Archery Hall of Fame
