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Merrill Dean Peay joined his eternal sweetheart in heaven November 2, 2021. Merrill was born September 29, 1932, to Willis Dean Peay and Ethel Merrill Peay, in Provo, Utah.

Even though he didn’t have any siblings, he was raised among many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He spent many hours at the home of his grandmother, Annetta Acenith Ferre Peay Cluff, who lived around the corner. Merrill attended Provo schools where he met Colleen Carter at a young age; they were lifelong friends.

Merrill and Colleen married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15, 1952. They started their life together in Fairfield, California, where Merrill was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. They were blessed with two daughters, Debbie and Karen, while living there. After discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Sandy, Utah, where Gregory joined the family.

Even as a child, Merrill was a hard worker. He thinned beets, washed and candled eggs, and helped at his Uncle Larry’s farm. This instilled in him his love of farm life and he talked about his experiences, often. His favorite quote was, “Every boy needs a dog.” And Dad had many in his lifetime.

Merrill worked at Mountain Bell for 26 years, starting out as a lineman bringing more phone lines to smaller growing communities like Kanab, Kanosh, Koosharem, Panguitch, Paragonah, and Parowan. He retired from Mountain Bell as an Estimate Assigner, but he never really stopped working. He then worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a custodian at the Lake Shore Church building and other buildings within the stake.

He and Colleen lived in Lake Shore, Utah, for over 25 years and made lifelong friends there. Dad’s dream was to live where he could fish every day. He and mom found a beautiful place in Charleston, Utah, where they built their log home. Being close to Deer Creek Reservoir, Strawberry Reservoir, and Provo River was a dream come true for Dad. He loved the beauty of the area and the people. As Dad and Mom grew older, they decided to come back to Utah County. They moved to Mapleton close to their daughter, Karen, and her family.

Dad served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Executive Secretary for Bishop Randy Gordon in Lake Shore and loved that experience. He also served in the Provo Temple; and Dad and Mom served 3 missions. In Nauvoo, Illinois, he worked in the gardens at Carthage Jail, the Woman’s Center, and the grounds around the pioneer buildings in Nauvoo. They loved the time they spent there and the people they served with. He had many wonderful memories that he shared with his family.

Dad loved to sing, and he and mom sang in ward choirs. He loved the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, and Sons of the Pioneers. No matter where he was, he had music playing and would sing along.

He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the Savior was evident in his willingness to serve. Whether it was mowing a lawn, helping you weed, or sharing his garden tomatoes, he served others with a happy heart. He loved his family very much and would often say, “Family is what it is all about.” We love you, Dad, and will always remember the lessons about love and life that you taught us.

Merrill is survived by his children: Debbie (Doug) Wood, Karen (Brian) Murray, and Greg (Sharon) Peay; 12 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

A viewing will be held Monday evening, November 8, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. A small service will be held at the same location, Tuesday morning, November 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Interment is at the Provo City Cemetery.

A very special thank you to Bonnie and Josh from First Choice Home Health and Hospice for the care and love they have shown to Mom and Dad and the family. Thank you to the Ashford Assisted Living Center for their patience and help with Dad these last few months.