Merlin E. Erickson

Loa, Ut - Merlin Elroy Erickson, 82, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, on February 2, 2024. He was the second of three children born to Hearold and Marjorie Brown Erickson on August 13, 1941, in Loa, Utah. He felt very lucky to have grown up in the town of Loa there with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He truly loved and appreciated his friends and neighbors in the small town.

After graduating from Wayne High School, Merlin moved to Provo and lived with his Aunt Donna and Uncle Reed for 3 years where he worked and met the love of his life Kathleen Sykes. They were married on July 13, 1962, in Pleasant Grove and later sealed in the Manti temple March 23, 1979. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served on the Loa Town Board and was a volunteer fireman for many years.

In 1964 Merlin and Kathleen moved back to Loa and Merlin went to work for Brown Brothers Construction where he was able to work with his cousins and friends for 39 years. He enjoyed running many different pieces of equipment for them but was especially talented running the backhoe.

His family was his greatest treasure, his whole life revolved around his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and supporting them in everything they did. Merlin loved being outdoors but especially if he was with family.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, his five children; Connie (Gordon) Morrell of Axtel, Wesley (Pam) Erickson of Loa, Sharon (Kim) Torgerson of Bicknell, Susan (Jason) Christensen of Washington, and David (Kallie) Erickson of Salina. Also survived by his brother Ronald Kay (June) Erickson of St. George, 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Hearold Erickson, Marjorie Brown Erickson Mott, and his stepfather: Vern Mott, his brother Shirl Erickson, and many loved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Our sincere thanks to the caregivers from IHC Homecare & Hospice and especially his daughter-in-law Kallie for the care given to him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. in the Loa LDS Stake Center. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the Stake Center in Loa Saturday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.

Livestreaming of the services can be found at www.springerturner.com under Merlin's obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

FUNERAL SERVICE LIVESTREAM

Burial will be in the Loa Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.