Our beloved father, Merrill Paskins, passed away at home on December 3, 2023 at the age of 97.
He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on October 22, 1926 and lived through the Depression. As soon as he graduated from high school, dad enlisted in the Navy. As a member of the submarine service, he was deployed and saw action in the Pacific Theater. His time in the service, as for many of his generation, was a tremendous source of pride and defined who he was.
Merrill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and held many church callings throughout his life. He loved his 18 years of service in the Jordan River Temple. He was loved and adored by all who knew him.
He was married for 67 years to his sweetheart, Norma Lambert Paskins, who preceded him in death. Dad took care of our mom during her battle with Alzheimer’s until she died February 16, 2016. Merrill leaves behind his children Steven (Rhondalee) Paskins, Cheryl Paskins, Shauna (Tom) Giles and Russell (Mindi) Paskins. He also has 11 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Merrill is preceded in death by his wife Norma, his parents George and Anna Paskins, sister Larue (David) Coombs, sister Helen (Verland) Roholt, grandsons Aaron and Bevan Paskins and great granddaughter Kingzlee Robison. He is survived by his sister Joan Ingalls and brother Ron (Linda) Paskins.
There will be a viewing from 1:00 – 2:00 Saturday, December 9 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy Utah, with a short funeral service after, followed by the dedication of the grave. To view previously held services please click on the "Watch Services" button above.
The family asks that donations to your favorite charity be made instead of flowers.
My Grandpa was such and amazing person. I remember listening to his war stories and him showing me all of the little things he had saved from that time of his life. Watching him and grandma dance together brought a smile to everyone watching. He taught me so many things about life. Things I’ll never forget and that I will hold close to my heart. I’m so happy that he is holding grandma’s hand and they are together again.