Merlin R Walker

Merlin R. WalkerJune 18, 1936 - November 22, 2017Merlin R. Walker passed away November 22, 2017 peacefully after a long battle withParkinson's disease and Lewy Body dementia. He was born June 18,1936 at home inAmerican Fork Canyon, on Timpanogos Cave National Monument, which makes him anactual Caveman. He was the 4th child of 6 children born to Thomas A. Walker LucileAllen. 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 EagleScout award, bronze and silver palms and his Duty to God award. He graduated withHonors from American Fork high, attended University of Utah and transferred to UtahState 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 Utahwhere he worked for Ashley National Forest as a civil engineer, retiring with 36 years ofcontinuous 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 InstructorTrainer 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 servingin many callings including bishopric, high council, elder's quorum and high priest groupleader.He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn, 2 daughters Julie (Gary) Monsen andNikki (David) Kay, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren (with 2 more coming inApril). 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 Searchand Rescue or the American Red Cross which Merlin gave his heart and service to, formany 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