Merlyn Fowler

Merlyn Fowler, age 96, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at his home in Syracuse, Utah.

Merlyn was born September 10, 1929, in Payson, Utah, to Isaac Lynden (Lynn) Fowler and Myrle Roundy. He grew up in Richfield, where he worked in his father’s restaurant and developed a lifelong work ethic. He graduated from Richfield High School where he participated in athletics, FFA, band and graduated as a valedictorian.

He attended Utah State University before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands. His mission deeply shaped his life, strengthening his faith and love for people.

While leaving for his mission, Merlyn met Norma Waite of Syracuse at the Ogden train station. They wrote throughout his mission and were later married on September 4, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Merlyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah and a Master of Education degree from Brigham Young University. He taught seminary in Davis County for 40 years - missing only one day of work over the course of his career, due to illness. Merlyn became known for the way he quietly influenced and connected with individuals. He attended students’ activities, encouraged them personally, and took time to help them one-on-one. Many former students credit him with changing the course of their lives.

Merlyn served faithfully in many Church callings, including bishop, stake mission president, high councilor, and stake executive secretary. As bishop, he was known for his compassion and spiritual sensitivity. Merlyn had a love for missionary work and spent many years serving as ward missionary. He especially enjoyed the time he had serving as a missionary with his wife, Norma. The gospel was central to Merlyn’s life. If he was asked to do something for the church, he did it – always without complaint. His service was steady, humble, and deeply impactful.

He loved sports and participated in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and track, including pole vaulting. He was a lifelong sports fan and adamant BYU supporter and it wasn’t uncommon to see him out and about wearing his treasured, royal blue BYU hat.

Merlyn also loved working outdoors. He spent many summers tending to his field of corn, where he taught his children the value of hard work and consistency. He found joy in simple things and in time spent with family.

Whether in the classroom, at church, or at home, Merlyn had a quiet way of lifting others and he will surely be missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, as well as his parents, siblings (Thel, Joy and Pete) and his son in law (J. Michael Moyes).

Merlyn is survived by his children: Merlene (Danny) Woodard, Norman (Martha) Fowler, Le Ann Moyes, and Reid (Laura) Fowler; eight grandsons; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to Applegate HomeCare & Hospice and Memorial Mortuary for their compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Syracuse 2nd Ward Chapel, 2228 South 1660 West, Syracuse, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service, at the same location.

Interment will be at the Syracuse City Cemetery.

To stream the service please click here.