Merrill died at home in Clearfield, Utah on 16 Jun 2001 following a prolonged battle with cancer.

He was born 26 Mar 1920 in Mantua, Utah to Wilford Merrill & Cora Jensen Halling.

He married on 7 May l948 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Merrill spent his youth in Mantua and graduated from Box Elder High School. He worked several years in Southern California before serving two years in the Merchant Marines during World War II. After returning, he spent the remainder of his life in Clearfield. He retired from Hill Air Force Base after working 33 years. Merrill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in many capacities, including Bishop's counselor, Executive Secretary, Clerk, Priesthood Quorum leadership, Young Men's presidencies, and Stake Missionary. He and his wife served twelve years as Ordinance Workers in the Ogden Temple.

Merrill was survived by his wife and six children. There are 34 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Interment 22 Jun 2001 in Syracuse, UT cemetery.

Merrill's wife is a granddaughter of William Criddle & Sarah Mariah Linford. William was the son of John Criddle & Elizabeth Ann Taylor.