Merlin Ross Humphries

Merlin Ross Humphries passed in his home surrounded by his loving family on August 15th, 2023, at the age of 83. Merlin was born on January 13th, 1940, in Deseret, Utah to Ross Douglas Humphries and Ivanell Ruth Schoenberger.
He lived in Utah until his dad enlisted in the service and they moved to California. Although he spent most of his life in California, he loved Utah. He was always happy to visit his grandparents, especially during the deer hunt. Merlin loved the out of doors, camping, fishing or deer hunting. He always had a fishing pole ready in his car.
Merlin and Julie met on a blind date set up by some of his friends from church and school. They went together for about a year and were married in 1962 and later solemnized their marriage in the Los Angeles LDS Temple.
Merlin always worked hard from a young age. He worked for a Schwinn bike shop and loved his work so when the opportunity came to purchase a shop of his own, we took the chance. We bought a shop and moved our family to Santa Barbara, California. Several years later we purchased a second bike shop. He loved the bike business and was always helping customers, especially the children to learn to ride. Because he enjoyed the outdoors so much, we sold our businesses and moved to Utah to be near all the things he loved to do.
He had several businesses in Utah a motorcycle shop, a restaurant, floor covering and an awning business just to name a few. Working hard was in his DNA and he passed that on to our children.
Merlin was an active member in the LDS Church and held many callings, but his favorite was the nursery. He loved the little children and was known as Grandpa Merlin by many of them. He had a strong testimony, and he loved the gospel.
His family was everything to him. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart and is so proud of all of them. Nothing made him happier than to be around his family. Merlin was always willing to help and serve others, whether building something in his workshop, pulling weeds or helping someone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; daughter Lori Humphries; son, Dan (Jewelee); daughter, Amy Rice (Branden); son, Travis (Sarah), eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and his brother Darrel Humphries (Karen).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Ivanell and a sister, Jodi Schmutz.
A private family gathering will occur prior to a grave side service at the Veyo Cemetery, Veyo, Utah, 334 Chad Ranch Road, Veyo, Utah 84782. Graveside services will held on August 26th and begin at 11:00 am at the cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Affordable Funerals and Cremations of St. George.