Joshua Merkley

Joshua Matthew Merkley

September 16, 1993 - July 17, 2015

Our favorite son and brother returned home to his Heavenly Father on July 17, 2015 while spending time with his friends, whom he loved.

Throughout his life, Josh was a constant light to all who knew him.  Born on September 16, 1993 in Salt Lake City, he was the long awaited brother in a family of five older sisters.  Josh had a contagious smile and he always served and uplifted everyone around him.  As a boy scout and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he attained the rank of Eagle and honorably served in the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission, among the people whom he loved.

Growing up in West Jordan, Josh enjoyed playing the piano, music, hiking, sports, and was an avid BYU fan.  While at Copper Hills High School, he ran for both the cross country and track teams in addition to serving as Senior Class Vice President. The things he loved most were spending time with his large group of friends, family, and serving the Lord.  He will be remembered for quoting movies, his sense of humor, a love of Taylor Swift, and sending inspirational messages to his friends.

Our family would like to thank all who tirelessly worked in the search and recovery, including the Summit and Wasatch County Sheriffs and Search and Rescue teams, Life Flight, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Public Safety.

He is survived by his parents, Matt and Cindy, his five older sisters, Sarah (Steven) Stradley, Tabitha, Hannah (Ryan) Woolsey, Rebecca, and Leah (Daxton) Johnson, his grandmother Elva Merkley, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as four nieces and a nephew.

Donations in remembrance of Josh may be made to the General Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to the Summit County Search and Rescue Team.

We look forward to being reunited with our little dude.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Oak Lane Ward, 2680 E. Cherry Lane, Layton.  Friends may visit family Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.