Merlin R Walker
Merlin R. Walker
June 18, 1936 - November 22, 2017
Merlin R. Walker passed away November 22, 2017 peacefully after a long battle with
Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body dementia. He was born June 18,1936 at home in
American Fork Canyon, on Timpanogos Cave National Monument, which makes him an
actual Caveman. He was the 4th child of 6 children born to Thomas A. Walker & Lucile
Allen. He married Carolyn Ellison August 8, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Growing up Merlin was active in the Boy Scouts of America and received his Eagle
Scout award, bronze and silver palms and his Duty to God award. He graduated with
Honors from American Fork high, attended University of Utah and transferred to Utah
State for his schooling. He was a member of the Utah National Guard and the Pershing
Rifle Precision drill team of the army ROTC.
Merlin was employed by the Bureau of Public roads and transferred to Vernal Utah
where he worked for Ashley National Forest as a civil engineer, retiring with 36 years of
continuous government service.
He was a member of the Uintah County Search and Rescue, serving as a Unit
Commander 4 separate times and a State Commander for a year. He was an Instructor
Trainer for American Red Cross; he was also appointed first aide instructor for the Forest Service, National Ski Patrol and the Search and Rescue.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faithfully serving
in many callings including bishopric, high council, elder's quorum and high priest group
leader.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn, 2 daughters Julie (Gary) Monsen and
Nikki (David) Kay, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren (with 2 more coming in
April). Also his siblings Alan & Charlene Walker, Lee & Jolene Walker,
Roger and Janice Fuller, Arnell and Jaleen Walker and Mike & Cathy Sherrod.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for donations to Uintah County Search
and Rescue or the American Red Cross which Merlin gave his heart and service to, for
many years.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 27, 2017 at 11AM at the Vernal First Ward LDS Chapel (475 West 100 South). A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday evening from 5-7PM at the Ashley Valley Funeral Home and Monday 9:45-10:45AM at the chapel. Interment will be in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com
