Merrit G Watson

Merrit G. Watson, 95, passed away on December 13, 2022, in Murray Utah with his children at his side.
Born on July 19, 1927, in St. Anthony Idaho to Castel and Thelma Watson. He was raised in Salt Lake City with his four brothers and two sisters. Graduated from South High School in 1944, and studied business management at the University of Utah. Merrit proudly served his country, joining the Navy during WWII.

He married Earlene James, on July 30, 1948, in Salt Lake City. Together they raised three children, and spent many weekends boating, fishing, or skiing. They also enjoyed spending time with their five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Earlene passed away in September 2007.
Merrit was a hard worker his entire life. Started working as a young teen in the cafeteria at LDS Hospital. He spent his entire career in the food distribution business. Starting as a route salesman for Hill Beverage Soda, then Thrifty Foods. Retiring in 1992 as a multi-department manager at Associated Foods. Merrit loved sports. He played baseball, basketball, skiing, water skiing, fishing, tennis, bowling, and golf. He loved doing anything and everything with his wife and children. He and Earlene had many friends and loved to travel and play cards with them.

He was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame on 7/20/1984. Was also inducted into the National ASA Hall of Fame the same year and appointed the Umpire in Chief for the National Amateur Softball Association for the Western United States. Merrit traveled all over the world for the National Softball Association teaching umpiring and umpiring US and World tournaments. He loved to travel. He visited more than 30 countries and was very proud of that.

Merrit met Phyllis Bryson through their bowling league and were married on May 16, 2008. They also loved doing things together such as bowling, golf, and playing cards with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Watson. His son Craig (Marie) Watson, Cynthia (Milt) Diamond, Theresa (Nick) Guido; Grand Children Nicholas (Brooke) Guido, Angie (Devan) Hamilton, Chelsie Guido, Lisa (Jake) Keysaw, Ryan (Shelby) Watson, Phillip (Chantell) Jensen; Great Grandchildren Charlie Guido, Anna Hamilton, Ella Hamilton, Matthew Keysaw, Mitchell Keysaw, Hallie Watson, Owen Watson. Also, a brother Kay (Sharilyn) Watson.

The family wishes to thank the many Doctors, Nurses, and Nurses Aids at Intermountain Medical Center Murray Utah for their dedicated and compassionate care.

A private family service will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the Sandy City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Merrit’s name.