Merrill Eugene Walker

Merrill Eugene Walker, 85, died peacefully at his home in Riverton, UT, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016 of pulmonary fibrosis. Merrill was born Oct. 6, 1930 in Rockland, Idaho to Ona Virgil Walker and Glenna Mary Frodsham Walker, where he was raised and gained an education. He continued to be a lifelong learner while providing for his family, and strived to better himself and increase his knowledge through his love of reading. Merrill married Donna Dean Southwell on Jan. 16, l953 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

They have six children: Sanya (Jerry) Payne, Kent (Kim), Brent (Kathy), Rodney (Kathy), Merilee (Roger) Sant and Blair (Rhonda). They also have 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Except for a few years in Olympia, Washington, where he served in the army, and Rupert, Idaho he spent most of his life in Rockland, Idaho close to family. He took over running the family farm while he and Donna Dean raised their children. If that wasn’t enough to do they bought the only gas station in town to keep their growing boys busy, which they ran for many years. Merrill was very active in the community and LDS Church. In addition to serving as a missionary in the Great Lakes Mission he also served as the Bishop of the Rockland Ward, worked in the Idaho Falls and Jordan River Temples, spent many hours on family history and was a faithful home teacher.

He was always quick to respond to a call to serve. In 2008 Merrill and Donna Dean sold the family farm and moved to Riverton, Utah to retire. They have enjoyed their new friends and lifestyle. The family wishes to thank these wonderful people for their love, friendship and watchful care. Being with his family brought great happiness and joy to Merrill, and he will be greatly missed as he was an important part of each of their lives. A great example to all, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, who always made time for his family. His family wishes to thank everyone for the many kind acts of service and especially to his granddaughter Kami for her tender loving care. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William, he is survived by his brother Glen. A public viewing was held Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at the Rockland LDS Ward Building, 405 E Shoshone, Rockland, Idaho from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment followed in the Valley View Cemetery. To send condolences visit NelsonMortuary.com.