Vernal Express
Ocotober 23, 2002
Elmer Lester Merrell, 85, of Pomona, Calif., passed away Oct. 13, 2002. He had made Pomona his home for over 54 years.
Elmer was born May 24, 1917, in Ioka to Franklin Remington and Mary Jane Angus Merrell. They soon moved to Vernal where he grew up on a farm and attended school and graduated from high school. He served a mission to Norway and Oklahoma for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning home from his mission he moved to Southern California where he met and married his sweetheart Myrle Bushman in 1941. They made their first home in South Gate, Calif. and moved to Pomona in 1948. Myrle preceded Elmer in death 10 months ago, they had enjoyed over 60 years together.
Elmer was a plumber by profession and after working for several other shops he eventually opened his own plumbing shop. He was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by serving as a Ward bishop, and counselor to a bishop, a Stake high councilor, and many other teaching and leadership positions. He also served as an ordinance worker at the Los Angeles Temple for many years. He loved being with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed working with wood and reading and working in the yard.
Survivors include his four children, Richard (Sue) Merrell of Newberry Springs, Calif.; Marna (York) Knudsen of Tulare, Calif.; Renae (Phil) Wheeler of Fontana, Calif. and Glenda Andrus of Pomona; 31 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His sister Reva M. Roper of Orem is the last survivor of his five brothers and one sister. Services were held in an Orem building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 21.
Burial was at the Lehi City Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
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