Merrill Raddon Barker died at home on September 8, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband and father, the best grandpa, a loyal friend, and someone who would fish with everyone.
Merrill was born on August 6, 1942 in Pocatello, Idaho to Darrel Gessel Barker and Goldie Irene Barker. He graduated from Highland High School and attended Weber State University. He served an LDS mission to the Northwest States, which included Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. He married his best friend, Kathryn Belle Kunz, in the Salt Lake Temple on August 28, 1964. Merrill worked in the grocery business and managed real estate properties. These pursuits allowed him to enjoy his favorite pastime, which was play.
Merrill was a hard worker, but when the work was done, he found time to play. Merrill enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, motorhome trips, the cabin, and fishing. The family spent many hours together in these activities. Later in life, he and Kathryn traveled a great deal by themselves and with their family.
After Merrill retired from the grocery business, he found a way to fish as often as he could. Fly, lake, river, ice—it didn’t matter, he was passionate about all of them. He was a master fisherman, and his grandkids were certain he knew how to “cheat” at catching fish.
His commitment to his family was a great blessing to them. Merrill was devoted to Kathryn and they loved spending time together. He loved his kids and grandkids and would travel great distances to support them in their activities.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn, his daughters, Whitney Haselden (Kirk), Stephanie Snuffer (Denver), and his son, Gregory Raddon Barker (Tanna), his twin sister, Merrilee (Terry) Whyte, and sister, Debbie (Todd) Neilson. There are 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many friends who will miss his loyalty, his laugh, and his wry sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his father, Darrel and his mother, Goldie.
Family and friends can pay their respects at a viewing on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a 12:00 p.m. funeral service at the LDS ward building at 1834 East Creek Road, Sandy, UT. Internment and graveside will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT.
Those wishing to view the services via Zoom can click the " Watch Services" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83760815227
Kathryn and family, though this is a difficult experience to go through, we are so blessed to know what we know because of the restored gospel and the Plan of Happiness!
Kathryn, Merrill was a nurturer like my husband was so the transition of being without his attention to your needs will not be easy. But, I promise if you will exercise faith in ministering angels and in yourself, independence and self-sufficiency will develop and increase in ways you never dreamed possible. The remainder of your probationary time is sacred time given you to grow in stature before the Lord.
Be strong! You can do it!
Your friend, Helen Cram
Kathy there aren't enough words to express our love and also sadness for you and your family. Sad only because it happened to fast and our love that he didn't have to suffer any longer.
We love you,
Launie and Lee
we are so sorry to not be to the funeral, but i am so grateful that we were able to spend Wednesday with Merrill. It meant everything to me and hearing his family telling about some of the things they did with him. My thoughts are with you Kathryn and Greg , Whitney and Stephanie. I love you all.
Dear Aunt Kathy and Family
We send our deepest love and sympathy to the entire family. We are going to miss Uncle Merrill and his beautiful smile. It was a blessing to see you both a couple weeks ago! Love Bill & Christiann
Dear Kathryn, Whitney, Stephanie, and Greg,
We love you so much and know you will miss your dad and husband. We pray the Lord will bless you and hold you in His arms to give you comfort and peace. We love Merrill and will miss his ready, brilliant smile and easy loving personality. He was a wonderful big brother who took care of me, played with me and my friends, and set such a good example for me.
We look forward to the time we will all sit down together in Heaven and be with each other eternally.
Love,
Debbie and Todd
It's been 45 - 50 years since I met, and began to admire, Merrill.
I remember that for youth activities it was always Merrill's truck I wanted to ride in, because (with Merrill) I knew I would be safe and I would always feel accepted.
God bless his memory, Merrill Barker made a difference in my life that I will always be thankful for.
Katherine and family. We are so sorry to here of Merrill’s passing. We had not heard that he had been ill and so it was all the bigger shock. We have read all that we could on the internet about his passing and services, and send our love to you and your family.
Merrill and I have been childhood friends since about the third grade.
Alana and I have missed our association with you guys since we moved to So. Cal. In 1970. We send our love and condolences to you and your family.