Merriel Wathen, Jr. passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Sept. 9, 2021.
He was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1938 at home in Lehi, Utah to Merriel “Matt” Wathen and Gudrun Johnsen Wathen. He was the fourth of four children. While attending Lehi High School he participated in basketball and tennis. He received a tennis scholarship to Utah State Agricultural College and later transferred to Brigham Young University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Norway in 1958-1961. He married JoAnn Degelbeck Nov. 17, 1961, in the Logan Temple. Together they had five children: Paula, Rick, Judd, Mark, and Amy.
Merriel was a general contractor for over 50 years, building numerous homes throughout Utah, Sanpete, and Washington counties. He could be seen shingling roofs and pouring concrete well into his ‘80s.
Merriel and JoAnn made their home in Ephraim, Utah in 1981. Merriel loved working with the youth of Ephraim volunteering countless hours coaching youth baseball and basketball. Merriel also served in the Young Single Adult Ward at Snow College. People were drawn to his welcoming personality and infectious smile. Merriel had an amazing ability to make people laugh and more importantly feel loved.
His grandchildren were truly the light of his life. He seldom missed any of their events and was always just a phone call away.
He is survived by his wife JoAnn (Ephraim); daughter Paula Nichols (Brandon) Madison, Alabama; son Rick Wathen (Jennifer) Seattle, Washington; son Judd Wathen, Ephraim; son Mark Wathen (Melanie) Ephraim; daughter Amy Herbert (Tim) Lehi; and brother Boyd Wathen (Joyce) Lehi; 16 grandchildren: Addison Wathen, Krishna Wathen, Mandee Wathen, Abigail Nichols, Kareamy Finai, Sidney Wathen, Savannah Nichols, Charlee Wathen, Dylan Wathen, Ian Herbert, Lucas Wathen, Michael Nichols, Brady Wathen, Brynlee Wathen, Alexander Herbert and Alexander Wathen.
Preceded in death by his parents Merriel “Matt” Wathen and Gudrun Johnsen Wathen, brother Orlin Wathen and sister Darlene Gray.
The family would like to thank At Home Health and Hospice, especially Jessica Shaw for all their love and care they provided in his final days.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Ephraim 9th Ward, 765 South 100 East. Interment was in the Ephraim Park Cemetery. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook available at www.maglebymortuary.com under Merriel’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
