Raymond Darrell Mecham, fondly known as Ray, was born on November 11, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Darrell Francis Mecham and Barbara London. On June 2, 2024, Ray passed away peacefully at his home in Palmyra, Utah, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication.

Ray spent his formative years in Lake Shore and later established his own family in Palmyra. On December 27, 1963, he entered into a joyous union with Charlotte Sorensen in the Manti Temple, a bond that lasted until her passing from cancer on January 21, 2008. Finding love again, Ray remarried Elaine Simmons Harmer on August 16, 2008, in Palmyra, Utah.

Education was a cornerstone of Ray’s life. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Brigham Young University. Throughout his career, Ray wore many hats, working at IFA, as a water master, serving as an elementary school teacher, principal and farmer.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ray found immense joy in various hobbies including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, playing cards, and putting puzzles together. He was deeply committed to his community, serving as a 4-H leader, scout master, and earning the prestigious Silver Beaver Scout Award. Ray also dedicated many years to coaching youth sports teams that his children played on, fostering a spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship in the community.

Ray’s devotion to his faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was unwavering. He served in numerous capacities including as a missionary, scout master, ward clerk, executive secretary, young men’s president, counselor in the bishopric, stake high councilor and bishop. He even extended his service to teaching Sunday school in the Utah County Jail. Ray completed two senior missions and served in the Provo Temple, continuing his service at the Payson Temple until his passing.

Ray leaves behind his beloved spouse, Elaine Simmons Harmer, and a legacy of love through his children: Lynn (Karen) Mecham of Santaquin, Charla (Chad) Jacobson of Orem, Yvonne (David) Waters of Rigby ID, Leslie (Cory) Stulce of Palmyra, Kevin (Valerie) Mecham of Santaquin, and Paula (Lee) Davis of Santaquin. Elaine’s children: Danelle (Jim) Long, Wendy (Alan) McBride, Joel Harmer (deceased) (Diane) and Trudy (Todd) Mair, and Jackie (Bob) Morgan. His memory lives on through his 43 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

Ray is reunited in death with his cherished wife, Charlotte Mecham, and his parents, Darrell and Barbara Mecham. He is also survived by his siblings: Frank (Michelle) Mecham of Lake Shore, Linda (Richard) Lamb of Sandy, and Peggy Jones of Lake Shore.

Raymond Darrell Mecham’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Prior to the funeral service there will be a visitation on Wednesday night, June 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Palmyra church house.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 9:45 am – 10:45 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at the Palmyra church house.

Raymond Darrell Mecham Livestream Broadcast