Merrill Widdison

Merrill J. Widdison

09/23/1923 ~ 04/06/2015

Our father, Merrill Johnson Widdison passed away Monday, April 6, 2015 after a wonderful day of saying goodbye to kids, grandkids, friends and extended family.

He was born September 3, 1923 in Hooper, Utah to Willard and Amanda Johnson Widdison. He graduated from Weber High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended Brigham Young University and on September 23, 1947, Merrill married his life-long friend and neighbor Martha Mae Manning in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their greatest joy was time spent with family and friends. Martha Mae preceded him in death in June of 2000. Merrill later married Beth Christensen Bingham. She was a great blessing in his life and they enjoyed 14 years together.

Merrill was always interested and involved in community and in church service. He served on the town council, park committee, and on the board of Hooper Water. He was a longtime scouter and awarded a Silver Beaver for his time and efforts. He served faithfully in the church and was loved by all. One of his favorite callings was serving as the first Bishop of the new Hooper 4th Ward. He worked in the Ogden Temple for almost 25 years and in 1996, he and Martha Mae served a mission to Pohnpei in the Micronesian Islands.

Merrill and Martha Mae’s children are: Robert and Diane Widdison, Hooper; Eileen Widdison, Roy; Shirley and Richard Russell, Clinton; Rex and Diana Widdison, Hooper; Julie and Kevin James, Hooper; Paul and Debbie Widdison, Hooper; Clair and DeAnn Widdison, Hooper; and Karrie and Cody Ellis, Bothwell. They also have 30 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren. Merrill was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Martha Mae, and a grandson, Justin Widdison.

We thank our dear parents for providing a wonderful example, a loving home, and a lifetime of memories for us and our families.

Beth’s family includes: Gary and Nan Christensen, Ogden; Elaine and Randy Denkers, Ogden; Ray and Ruth Christensen, Hooper; Mike and JoAnn (deceased) Christensen, Hooper; Kelly and Kelli Christensen, Hooper; and Connie and Mark Collard, Hooper.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Hooper Pioneer Trails Stake Center, 4979 South 5100 West, Hooper. The family will meet with friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Hooper Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.