Merlin R. Wood

After 84 years of a life well lived, Merlin Wood passed away peacefully on March 18, 2014.

Merlin was born July 25, 1929 to Floyd and Phyllis Wood in Rigby, Idaho. He graduated from Rigby High School in 1947. He served a mission in Kansas and Missouri. The love of his life wrote to him throughout his mission, and they were married shortly after he returned. He married Leola Ball on August 15, 1951 in the Idaho Falls Temple. For the majority of their married life, they lived in Pocatello where he worked various jobs. He retired from Pocatello Supply where he was the office manager. He was blessed with six wonderful children which he loved dearly and enjoyed spending family time together. For twenty years he enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Island Park. He loved to spend the summers there, relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. In his younger years, he loved to go dancing. He also enjoyed fishing in the summers and then discovered golf which then became his new hobby. He would never turn down an opportunity to go out golfing. He also loved gardening and would spend many hours attending to his large garden.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many church callings some of which are Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Elders Quorum President, counselor in the bishopric, served as a Bishop, counselor in the Stake Presidency and ended his service as a Patriarch. He also had the opportunity to serve with his wife on an 18 month mission to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1994.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Thomas and Richard Wood. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Leola Ball Wood and his children, Susan (Jim) Gramkow, Nampa, ID; Peggy (Alan) Dunkley, Pocatello, ID; Jolyn (Mark) Renberg, Gilbert, AZ; Brent Wood, Hailey, ID; Natalie (Bob) Denkers, Idaho Falls, ID; Bradley Wood, Boise, ID; and one brother, Kent Wood. He had 13 grandchildren and 7 1/2 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Quinn Meadows and Access Home Health for their care and support.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 at the LDS West Stake Center, 3444 Hawthorne, Pocatello, ID. Family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the church. There will also be a viewing Friday, March 21, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home. His interment will follow the services at Mountain View Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com