Merton L. Carney

Merton Lou Carney, 83, passed away peacefully June 23, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mert was born May 27, 1935 in Billings, Montana to George William and Louise Ida (Lang) Carney. He spent his early years in Billings, and at age 11, his family moved to Ogden, Utah. His family fell on hard times and he decided to leave school to go to work and to help support the family. By age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War. While he was in the military, his family had moved to Pocatello and that is where he came home to.

Mert met and married NuRae Caldwell in 1956, together they had three daughters, they were later divorced. In 1974 he married Carol Partington and they were by each other's side until he passed away.

Mert loved to fly! He had a pilot's license and owned his own plane. His other hobby became his career, he loved driving semis. He drove for 61 years and logged over 9.5 million, accident-free miles. He was honored to receive an award of recognition for this.

Mert's family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Alliance Hospice for such wonderful care and to the doctors Peter Fort and Dean Williams for the excellent treatment they provided.

Mert is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol Carney, Chubbuck, ID; daughters, Stephanie Taylor, Clinton, UT; Carolyn (Fred) Spencer, Clinton, UT; Sherry (Gary) Anderson, Pocatello, ID; Sue (Gene) Larsen, Hooper, UT; his son, Jason (Vicki) Carney, Chubbuck, ID; sisters, Marlene (Raymond) Henery, American Falls, ID; Marilyn Weeks, Chubbuck, ID; Gert Lorang, Great Falls, MT; brothers, Alvin Carney, Chubbuck, ID; Everett Carney, Downey, ID; also his best friend and nephew, Brent Carney, (who was always by his side); 12 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.

Mert was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, and two great-grandchildren.

Per his request, there will be no services. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held from 2-4:00 PM, Friday, June 29, 2018 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Military Rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard at 3:30 PM.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family in the "Tribute Wall" tab above. His family requests in lieu of flowers please donate to the Bannock Humane Society, or a veterans charity of your choice.