Merrill Llewellyn Johns

Merrill Llewellyn Johns was born April 5th, 1936 in Delta, Utah. The oldest of nine children of Reed Llewellyn Johns and Martha Abbott.

The family moved to Salt Lake City when Merrill was 10 years old. They lived on Clinton Avenue near the capitol. He attended Granite High School and later joined the army and trained to be a paratrooper at Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina.

He attended Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.

He married Ellen Morgan on November 30, 1957 and it was later solemnized in the Sale Lake LDS Temple.

They are the parents of six children, Michael (Holly), Perilyn Drummond (Randy), Morgan, Trish Gray (Tom), Max (Brenda), Cassandra O'Very (Branden). Sixteen grandchildren; Kris Johns, Ashley Jarvis, Eric Barton, Annalys Barton, Todd Barton, Steven Barton, Shawn Johns, Zack Johns, Madison Johns, Melissa Gray, Teegun Cameron, Tommy Gray, Sydney O'Very, Easton O'Very. As well as sixteen great-grandchildren.

Merrill began his career in income tax preparation and as an investment advisor. He worked for 50 years in these fields and was one of the experts in tax law in his partnership. He especially enjoyed the friendship and professional collaboration he has with Fred Barton.

While raising their family, Merrill also worked for many years at Larry Miller Pontiac. He loved working with people and helping them. He was recognized as a top salesman many times.

When Merrill was 18 years old, he competed in the Mr. Utah weight lifting contest and took first place. He loved to be in good physical condition and always enjoyed weightlifting. He loved running and continued to do so up until his 80th birthday. He loved "working out" at the gym with his sons. This was a highlight for him after a busy workday. He also enjoyed water skiing with Ellen and the kids. Merrill, always competitive - and wanting to test his stamina- was always trying to waterswaterskiky a bit more each time he skied. Adding one more mile until he achieved 5 miles without stopping.

Merrill loved long drives and exploring the west deserts of Utah. he was a hard worker and devoted to his wife and children.

We love and appreciate you so much, Dad!

Preceded in death by his father, mother, 2 sisters, 2 brothers and 1 great granddaughter.