Kevin J Merritt, aka, Mr. 300, passed away peacefully at the spry young age of 67 on Monday, August 23rd, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife at his side.
Kevin made his earthly debut on February 27th, 1954 in Afton, WY to Rodney Alonzo Merritt and Shirley Jenkins Merritt. He served as a missionary for 2 years in the Texas South Mission. Upon returning home from his mission, he met and charmed Rebecca Elaine Carlisle at a Young Adults dance and convinced her to later marry him on March 19th, 1976 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Kevin was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held many positions within the church over the years, which he truly enjoyed. He served as Young Men’s President, on the High Counsel and as a Bishop.
Kevin was a carpenter by trade. He loved working with his hands and he mastered his craft. He took great pride in everything he did. His greatest masterpiece was his family.
Kevin enjoyed the outdoors. He was never one to sit still. He loved archery, hunting, fishing and camping. He was a great adventurer. More than anything, he loved going on those adventures with his family. Through incredibly hard work and great dedication, he earned his 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He was also a prankster and a joker. When Kevin was around, shenanigans were always afoot.
Kevin is survived by his wife Rebecca of 45 years; 4 children, Amy Thomas, Richard (Jennifer) Merritt, Trisha Price, and Jennifer (Anthony) Reyes; 8 grandchildren, Heather, Braydon, Jayden, Melanie, Andrew, Marcus, Gavin and CJ; and 3 sisters, Kathy, Patti Sue and Lucinda
He is preceded in death by his parents and his 2 brothers, David and Dennis
A viewing will be held on Friday August 27th from 6-8pm at the LDS Church at 1155 W 1200 N in Salt Lake City. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday August 28th at Larkin Sunset Lawn at 2350 E 1300 S in Salt Lake City.
“If it was easy…everybody would do it.”
Services were previously broadcast and can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/JT5h7AVzGcIjyIxS3JUpN2yUo27IWqSqL8KyHs6GlRlkfOLulLxfIt27xna8kf9K.TqDufGd0xqWJdtoT?startTime=1630169032000
Dear Becky and family. I am so saddened for your loss. Kevin was a great man and always there when I needed him. It’s comforting to know you’ll be together again. My thought and prayers are with all of you.
Linda Lessig
See ya at midnight practice my friend
It’s never easy to lose our loved ones. My heart and prayers are with you at this time. Take peace in the knowledge of the plan of salvation
Dear Becky and family,
I know my Dad, Harold, was a prankster too and I know the he always thought a lot of Kevin. I smile when I think of the mischief they can get into together. My love and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Becky, you and Kevin were always so kind to me. Love you!
Melanie Nielsen Wight
Dear Becky and family,
I know my Dad, Harold, was a prankster too and I know the he always thought a lot of Kevin. I smile when I think of the mischief they can get into together. My love and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Becky, you and Kevin were always so kind to me. Love you!
Melanie Nielsen Wight
Becky and family, we were all so sad to hear about Kevin and so soon after your Mom. He wasWomen's to work with in Young Men's when I was in Young Womens. My kids all loved being around him. My Dad and Mom loved him too. Our hearts are broken for you but we will all be together again soon. Keep that thought in mind. Hugs and loves to you and your family.
My condolences go out to Rebecca and all of Kevin's family we never know when God will bring us home to Him but we are sure it's the right time in His eternal plan for us. Nothing can fill the void in our life better now than our Lord Jesus Christ and that's where I go to find comfort knowing Kevin is with Him watching over us.
Oh Becky my heart breaks for you and your family. Kevin sounded like an amazing man. Grateful for the knowledge we share that you will get to be with him again. Love ya , Shay
We send our deepest sympathy to you all We were saddened to hear of Kevin's passing, Carl enjoyed the archery league with Kevin and we both enjoyed the many campouts with the archery league.
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. You have my most sincere condolences.
He was such a great person, always smiling and laughing.
He was a great sparring partner in Karate-do, one that you had to really avoid. He was built like a rock and could hit twice as hard! While I haven't seen him in a number of years, I shall always miss his smile and demeanor.
My thoughts and prayers are with Becky and the family.
Peace,
Steve
Oh my gosh, this is so sad. But I’m sure he is happy to be with his parents and brothers.I miss seeing you Becky and wish I could put my arms around you for a big hug. Did you know that I’m back living in Utah? My # is 520 235 0850. Give me a call and maybe when thing settle down we Can get together. I love all of you and my prayers are with you.I really miss Shirley. I was talking to a member of my stake presidency who happened to be from Brigham City and he asked me if I remembered Mrs. Merritt. It was so wonderful to spend time remembering her.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Kevin was a kind man. My dad loved him and did karate with him. I’m sure they are joking together and laughing together. I pray with all my heart for his family which he loved so much.
I am incredibly saddened to learn of Kevin's passing. I grew up with Kevin and his family as my next door neighbors and have incredibly fond memories of him. As a boy and a teenager, I would shoot arrows with him in his backyard. It was only later that I realized that if my aim were any worse, I could have sent an arrow through my own bedroom window. Fortunately, Kevin never let that happen.
Becky, please accept my condolences. May you and your family find peace and comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of many and we are all better for having had his presence in our lives.
My deepest sympathies,
Bret
Dear Becky, My heart is with you and love as well. I have such fun memories of Kevin and my dad. And their mischief and teasing during my dad's karate days and so much more. Love you. 💜
Sending my love to each of you...What an amazing man. He will be missed for sure. It leaves a big whole in your heart ❤. We never get over it... just get through it... one day at a time. Wish I could be there.. Unfortunately, I can't make it.. just know.. I love you..
Kevin was a good man. He will be missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky,
My deepest condolences to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of Bishop Merritt's passing. Truly, he was a one of kind of man. I will always remember him for his understanding and care at the time of my father's passing and his serve to our family and myself during our loss. I hope and pray you have those comforts to you now and know that families are forever and you will see him again.
Kevin--Wish I would have told you at the viewing that I appreciated you hiring me in 1980 to help build the Layton church on Gentile. So I'll tell you know. Thank you.
Dear Becky and family,
I was so shocked to hear of Kevin's stroke the next day after seeing him at your mother's service. I did not know until tonight (Friday) that he had passed away. I feel so sad for you even though I know you will be with him on the other side. May the Lord be with you and comfort you at this time. May you have His strength to help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jerry and Lou-Jean Harris
I recently had the pleasure to work with Kevin. I didn't know him on a personal level but I could tell from my interacting with him that he loved his family and the gospel. He was and is a very kind man. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
I met Kevin working on a project for UVU. We became friends from the start. He is a good man with an good sense of humor. Although I did not know him long, I will miss him.