Merrill L. Cox

Manti, Utah - Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather Merrill L. Cox passed away August 13, 2024, at the Gunnison Valley Hospital.

He was born June 6, 1935, to Grant W. and Elizabeth LuDean Hougaard Cox, in Manti, Utah. Merrill graduated from Manti High school in 1953. He graduated from Snow College in 1955, served in the Toronto, Canada mission from 1955-1957 and came home and married his high school sweetheart, Doris Emma Hansen June 6, 1958, in the Manti LDS Temple.

He spent his life farming, ranching and raising turkeys, sheep and cattle.

Merrill was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving and helping others. He especially loved the opportunity he had to serve five full-time missions throughout his life. Treasured were the times he and Doris had as they served together. He loved his family, taking great pride in his posterity! He also loved his garden, his farm, his fishing experiences, his hunting days and the great times at Lake Powell. Most of all he loved and enjoyed the time with his loving companion of 66 years.

Merrill is survived by his wife Doris, eight children: Wayne (Linda) Cox, Brad Cox, Sheree (John) Bjerregaard, Creig (Trudy) Cox, Jann (Jay) Yardley, Roger (Erin) Cox, Carl (Sandra) Cox, and Julie (Joel) Mann. 36 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Rodney Cox and Douglas Cox; and grandsons: Jeremy Cox and Eric Yardley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. in the Manti LDS Tabernacle, 90 South Main Street in Manti, where friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. or Saturday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to services.

Burial with military honors accorded by the Manti American Legion Post #31 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Manti City Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.