Merrill R. Anderson's Obituary
Merrill Reynolds Anderson passed away peacefully Thursday, February 2, 2012. He was born April 23, 1916, in Vernal, Utah to Fredrick and Della Anderson.
Merrill served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1939-1941 in the Northern States Mission. World War II broke out soon after his return, so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country honorably from 1942-1946. After the war, he courted and married his eternal love, Enid Massey, in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 3, 1946. They shared nearly 66 years together. From their union came four children - Bradley B (Olivia Dahl), Merrilyn (Michael Lynch), Rudy Fred (Karen McCuistion), and Sterling Clyde. He leaves a posterity of 26 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
After their marriage, Merrill and Enid lived in Maesar, Utah, where he worked a variety of jobs. In 1948, he was hired by Chevron Oil in Rangely, Colorado, working in the plant’s chemical lab. In 1963, he was transferred by Chevron to LaBarge, Wyoming (Birch Creek Field), employed as a field technician until he retired in 1976. Having raised his family, Merrill and Enid moved to Kemmerer, Wyoming, where they both drove the mail run from Kemmerer to the surrounding rural ranch areas.
Merrill and Enid left Kemmerer to serve in the Peoria Illinois Mission from 1986 to 1988. Upon their return, they relocated to Orem, Utah, and lived in the same house for 25 years.
Because of age and ill-health, they made their final move into the Seville Retirement Center (still in Orem) in April 2011.
Merrill was Bishop of the Rangely, Colorado Ward for 6 years. While serving as Bishop, he also performed community service as the PTA Financial Chairman, followed by a term as the President of the School Board. He was the Bishop of the LaBarge, Wyoming Ward for 15 years. In Oct. 1975, he was called to be the first Stake President of the Kemmerer, Wyoming Stake. Following his release, he was set apart as the Stake Patriarch. Many of his grandchildren have received their Patriarchal Blessing under his hands. Merrill and Enid also served as temple workers in both the Provo and Timpanogos Temples for approximately nine years total.
He now follows precious loved ones to the other side of the veil, including two randchildren, Shawna Michelle Nielson and Robert Sterling Anderson. Laurel Enser, Enid’s younger sister who was raised by them, died only nine months ago. All of Merrill’s siblings have preceded him in death - Ethel Marie Wright, Clyde Reynolds Anderson and Enid Mirl Coon.
We bid farewell dear husband, father, grandpa, and friend. By your very presence, the earth was graced with light that reflected your testimony of Jesus Christ. Your legacy is assured in the hearts of all those who have known you.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday morning Feb.8, 2012 in the Geneva Heights 5th Ward building (546 N. 500 W., Orem, Utah), with a brief viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. There will also be a viewing in the same building Tuesday evening, Feb. 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery at 1520 N. 800 E. Those wishing to send flowers, please have them sent to the church address one hour prior to the viewings either Tues. or Wed.
What’s your fondest memory of Merrill?
What’s a lesson you learned from Merrill?
Share a story where Merrill's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Merrill you’ll never forget.
How did Merrill make you smile?