Morgan Reed Merrill

Dr. Morgan Reed Merrill
1922-2015

Brigham City, Utah A- Morgan Reed Merrill passed away peacefully on the evening of May 10, 2015 after a short illness. Reed was born May 26, 1922 to Ida Knapp and LaRue Hendricks Merrill in Murtauh, Idaho. As a young boy, Reed lived briefly in Washington D.C. while his father completed work on a law degree. Later the family moved to Idaho Falls. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army where he served with distinction in the South Pacific on Guam, Rota, Tinian, Saipan and surrounding islands. Reed served as a chemical warfare specialist connected with B-24 air operations and participated in five major campaigns. In 1945, Sgt. Merrill was discharged from the army and returned to the United States to attend school at the University of Utah. There he married Glenna Marie Parkin on September 3, 1947 prior to graduating from the University of Utah Medical School. After an internship at Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, Reed and Glenna moved to Brigham City, Utah in 1951 to begin a long and distinguished medical practice. Reed retired from medicine after 45 years in general practice that included the delivery of an estimated 2000 babies to families in community. Reed's commitment to providing loving medical care was exemplified in the early years when he made regular house calls to ill patients, sometimes towing his young children with him for an "adventure in the county". In addition, his patients always knew that Reed would open his office every Sunday from noon until 1:00 p.m. to serve their needs. Thus, Reed was a pioneer in providing "instacare" service while often saying: "You know, people don't just get sick on weekdays. Sometimes they need their doctor on weekends." For 45 years Sunday dinner at the Merrill household was at 1:30 p.m. when Dad got home from the office. In addition to medical practice, Reed was a fisherman (he knew the best holes of the North Fork of the Snake River), hunter, gardener, poet and story-teller. His poetry describing war experiences is especially poignant. Reed's cheerful demeanor and big heart grounded him as loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family rallied to his side in his final hours to comfort him and express their love.
Reed is survived by his wife of 67 years, Glenna and five children: Ann (Don) Peart, Brigham City; Randall (Carolyn) Merrill, Orem; David (Carol) Merrill, Roy; Susan (Craig) Davis, Blackfoot, ID; and Jon (Becky) Merrill, Houston, TX. Reed and Glenna have 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Brigham City LDS 13th Ward, 25 North 300 East, on May 16, 2015 at 11:00 am. Friends may call at the Myers Funeral Home 205 South 100 East on May 15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. or on May 16th at the 13th Ward from 9:45- 10:30 a.m.
Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery following funeral services. The family wishes to thank Jacqui at the Beehive House and Nicole at Integrity Hospice Services for their attentive and sensitive care of Reed during his brief illness. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Reed's love of animals, please make a donation in his name to the Humane Society of Utah, P.O. Box 573659 Murray, Utah 84157.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City
205 South 100 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
May 15, 2015
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceBrigham City 13th Ward Chapel
25 North 300 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
May 16, 2015
11:00 AM
CemeteryBrigham City Cemetery
325 South 300 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
May 16, 2015