Boyd Merrell

BOYD MERRELL OBITUARY

Boyd Merrell died at the age of one hundred on September 17, 2026, at his son's (Reid) home in Ivins, UT. Boyd was born July 7, 1926, in Vernal, UT to Harold and Marie Merrell.

Boyd graduated from Uintah High School before entering the US Navy during WWII. After the war ended, he was honorably discharged. After returning home to Vernal, he worked for the Pontiac, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac dealership as a mechanic, for more than 20 years. He eventually went into business for himself when he took over the Phillip 66 service station on main street in Vernal. For the last ten plus years of his career, he owned and operated BOYD'S AUTO in Naples. He didn't charge many people who couldn't afford to pay for their repairs. He was caring, kind and honest with those who came to him with mechanical problems. Years of experience made him an excellent mechanic, but with all the new computerized changes in vehicles, he was glad to retire before having to deal with the new generation of vehicles.

He married Erma Nickell on Christmas Eve in 1948; they were sealed in the SLC Temple in 1963. Two Children were born from this union: Reid and Marquita. Erma died in 2001 and Boyd never remarried. Not long after opening BOYD'S AUTO in Naples next to their home, Erma had a major stroke, which paralyzed one arm and she lost her ability to speak, but for a dozen or so words. Boyd was able to continue working and at the same time care for Erma during the next 14 years before her passing. He was very patient, kind, and helpful to his wife Erma. It was a great blessing to have his business next to his home, so he could care for her.

Boyd was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers: Calvin, Marvin, and Dallas. Also, by his grandson, Jonathan Merrell.

He is survived by his sister, Sandy (Frank) Stephens. His children: Reid (Robin) Merrell, Marquita (Doug) Hammond. Grandchildren: James (Leslie) Merrell, Tania (Steve) Saxton, Monica (Bart) Wagstaff, Amy Hammond, Quinn (Ember) Hammond. Great-Grandchildren: Benjamin, Brianna, Seth, Jezze, Maximus, Natalie, Joshua, Zachary, Sophia, Mason, Dylan, Laney, Joey, Jameson, and Chad. Great-Great-grandchildren: Koen, Baker, and Brooklyn.

Boyd was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Funeral services for Boyd Merrell will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12 noon at the Naples Ward Chapel. A viewing and visitation for family and friends will be from 10:45 am to 11:45 am at the Naples Ward Church.

Interment will be held at the Vernal Memorial Park following the funeral under the direction of Ashley Valley Funeral Home.