With grateful hearts, the family of Merlynn M. Tanner, bid farewell to their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on August 13, 2011. He died peacefully in the home he built and where he lived for over 65 years. He spent his last evening with Martha, his sweetheart of 70 years, outside enjoying the beauty of his garden.

As his family, we celebrate 95 years of a life well lived. He lived a full, active life – even enjoying a mule ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at the young age of 86. His quick wit often took us by surprise and gave us a good laugh. We will carry on his legacy of constant service, hard work, a generous heart and a deep love for Heavenly Father and the Savior. His testimony and unwavering obedience symbolized his life. His greatest gift was showing us what true love and service really look like. We have watched him take care of our mother with loving tenderness and selfless service.

Merlynn was born in Payson, Utah, April 1, 1916. He was the oldest of five children born to Kenneth and Zelpha Monk Tanner. He took great pride in being a life-long resident of Payson. He married Martha Ashby, of Spanish Fork, in the Logan Temple on August 6, 1941. Barbara, David, Glen, Marilyn, Don and Gary feel blessed beyond measure to be their children. Our childhood was filled with love and warmth mixed with hard work and fun. Merlynn’s love of horses and mountains provided many opportunities to see Payson from the top of Mt. Loafer.

After serving his country in the Navy during World War II, Merlynn spent his career as a merchant in downtown Payson. He was the owner/manager of Payson Furniture and Appliance Co. He was a founding member of the Wakara Riding Club and was known for the fine horses he kept. He served in the Bishopric that started the Salmon Supper in Payson Park--a Payson tradition for decades. He later served as Bishop of the Payson Park Ward and on the Stake High Council. Further, he was instrumental in getting the funding and then establishing the Tanner Room in the restored Peteetneet Community Center. His attractive and productive garden has always been something of a service project since much of its production was given to others. Over the years, he and Martha have filled countless bottles with the bountiful harvests from their garden. Together, Merlynn & Martha served in the Washington, Seattle Mission. They served for nearly 20 years as ordinance workers in the Provo LDS Temple. They have always loved traveling and have had many wonderful experiences in seeing the world together. In 2002, the couple was honored to serve as Grand Marshals of the Payson Homecoming Days parade.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to his many friends and neighbors. Your endless acts of service and love have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

He is survived by his wife Martha, his children Barbara Gibson (Rulon) serving a mission in Tokyo, Japan, David (Jan) Bountiful, Glen (Kay) Sandy, Marilyn Hunt (Michael) Spanish Fork, Don (Kristine) Bountiful, Gary, Payson, 19 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and his brother Sylvan, Provo.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20th at 11:00am at the LDS Park Ward Chapel in Payson (green church) located at 110 South 300 West. A viewing will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Walker Mortuary in Payson and prior to the services from 9:30 – 10:30am at the Park Ward meetinghouse. Interment will be at Payson cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Merlynn requested donations be made to the LDS Church Missionary or Humanitarian Aid funds.