John E. Merchant

Salina, Utah - Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, John Edward Merchant, age 75, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 25, 2019 in Richfield, Utah. He was born June 19, 1943 in Richfield, a son of John Charles and Winnie Marel Fullmer Merchant. He graduated from Richfield High School, Class of 1961. He served his country in the United States Air Force for four years, at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico in the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron. Johnny married the love of his life, Paulla Raylene Andreason September 6, 1968 in Salina, Utah. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, working as a Scout Leader and several other callings while serving in the Air Force. He was a member of the Salina Riding Club and was President for several years. He enjoyed hunting, horseback riding (he should of been born 100 years ago with the Western Cowboys), Salina Riding Club, tanning hides, sewing Native American Indian beadings, leatherwork, making belts and holsters, loved watching old western movies, but most of all, he loved his family and loved being with them. Johnny is survived by his beloved wife, Paulla of Salina; two sons: Cody J. and JoLyne Merchant of Hyrum; Cheyenne and Christy Merchant of Salina; grandchildren: Alex M. Perry and Max V. Merchant, both of Boise, Idaho; Cimmeron S. Merchant, Cody W. Merchant and Montana C. Merchant, all of Hyrum; Dakota C. Merchant, and Tristen J. Merchant both of Salina; great-grandchildren: Cara Marie Giles and Sterling Tyler Perry, both of Boise, Idaho; sisters: Sara A. Bodily of West Valley City; Debra S. Jolley of Emery; and uncle, Gene Merchant of Monroe and a cousin, Ronald Merchant of Phoenix, Arizona. He is preceded in death by his parents: John Charles and Winnie Marel Merchant; and three siblings: Douglas Jay Merchant, Kathleen Merchant and Craig Royce Merchant. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. in the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road in Bluffdale, Utah under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.