William Merrell

Willam Orson Merrell passed away June 11, 2015, at the home of his daughter in West Valley City, Utah.  He was born May 20, 1925, in Virden, New Mexico, to Orson A. and Lucinda Payne Merrell.  He served in the Navy during WWII (1943-1946).  He was a missionary for the LDS Church in the Eastern States Mission (1946-1948).  He married Arva Lue Mortensen on October 30, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple.  Together they raised a family of four sons and one daughter in Garland, Utah.

Bill graduated from USU with a degree in Agricultural Education.  He worked as a field man for the U&I Sugar Company and taught at North Park Elementary and Bear River High School.

Bill’s life was devoted to the service of others.  Most of his charitable acts were known by only a few.  A lifetime of church service included callings on the Stake High Council, bishopric counselor, Bishop of the Garland 2nd Ward, and faithful home teacher.   Bill served as a scout master and held several other scouting positions in the ward and district.  He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts of America.  He and his wife served as temple workers in the Logan Temple and together as missionaries in the Michigan, Detroit Mission (1991-1992).

Bill is survived by five children, Rodney (Carol) Merrell, Chad (Raelyn) Merrell, Glade (Suzanne) Merrell, Janalee (Tom) Wynn, and Brett (Elizabeth) Merrell.  He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers, and four sisters.

A viewing will be held Monday, June 15, 2015, at Rogers & Taylor Funeral Home (111 N. 100 E. Tremonton, UT) from 6-8 P.M.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at the Garland Tabernacle (140 W. Factory, Garland, UT) at 1:00 P.M.  There will also be a viewing at the church prior to the funeral service from 11:00-12:30.  Interment will be at the Garland Cemetery.