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Merrill D. Peay September 29, 1932 - November 2, 2021

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Merrill Dean Peay joined his eternal sweetheart in heaven November 2, 2021. Merrill was born September 29, 1932, to Willis Dean Peay and Ethel Merrill Peay, in Provo, Utah.

Even though he didn’t have any siblings, he was raised among many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He spent many hours at the home of his grandmother, Annetta Acenith Ferre Peay Cluff, who lived around the corner. Merrill attended Provo schools where he met Colleen Carter at a young age; they were lifelong friends.

Merrill and Colleen married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15, 1952. They started their life together in Fairfield, California, where Merrill was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. They were blessed with two daughters, Debbie and Karen, while living there. After discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Sandy, Utah, where Gregory joined the family.

Even as a child, Merrill was a hard worker. He thinned beets, washed and candled eggs, and helped at his Uncle Larry’s farm. This instilled in him his love of farm life and he talked about his experiences, often. His favorite quote was, “Every boy needs a dog.” And Dad had many in his lifetime.

Merrill worked at Mountain Bell for 26 years, starting out as a lineman bringing more phone lines to smaller growing communities like Kanab, Kanosh, Koosharem, Panguitch, Paragonah, and Parowan. He retired from Mountain Bell as an Estimate Assigner, but he never really stopped working. He then worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a custodian at the Lake Shore Church building and other buildings within the stake.

He and Colleen lived in Lake Shore, Utah, for over 25 years and made lifelong friends there. Dad’s dream was to live where he could fish every day. He and mom found a beautiful place in Charleston, Utah, where they built their log home. Being close to Deer Creek Reservoir, Strawberry Reservoir, and Provo River was a dream come true for Dad. He loved the beauty of the area and the people. As Dad and Mom grew older, they decided to come back to Utah County. They moved to Mapleton close to their daughter, Karen, and her family.

Dad served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Executive Secretary for Bishop Randy Gordon in Lake Shore and loved that experience. He also served in the Provo Temple; and Dad and Mom served 3 missions. In Nauvoo, Illinois, he worked in the gardens at Carthage Jail, the Woman’s Center, and the grounds around the pioneer buildings in Nauvoo. They loved the time they spent there and the people they served with. He had many wonderful memories that he shared with his family.

Dad loved to sing, and he and mom sang in ward choirs. He loved the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, and Sons of the Pioneers. No matter where he was, he had music playing and would sing along.

He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the Savior was evident in his willingness to serve. Whether it was mowing a lawn, helping you weed, or sharing his garden tomatoes, he served others with a happy heart. He loved his family very much and would often say, “Family is what it is all about.” We love you, Dad, and will always remember the lessons about love and life that you taught us.

Merrill is survived by his children: Debbie (Doug) Wood, Karen (Brian) Murray, and Greg (Sharon) Peay; 12 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

A viewing will be held Monday evening, November 8, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. A small service will be held at the same location, Tuesday morning, November 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Interment is at the Provo City Cemetery.

A very special thank you to Bonnie and Josh from First Choice Home Health and Hospice for the care and love they have shown to Mom and Dad and the family. Thank you to the Ashford Assisted Living Center for their patience and help with Dad these last few months.

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Visitation

Monday evening, November 8, 2021
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Walker Funeral Home
187 South Main Street
Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
Map

Funeral Service

Tuesday morning, November 9, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Walker Funeral Home
187 South Main Street
Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
Map

Interment

Tuesday afternoon, November 9, 2021
(following funeral service)
Provo City Cemetery
610 South State Street
Provo, Utah 84601
Map

Condolences(5)

  1. REPLY
    Marylyne Witney says

    Peay family I am happy for your dad. To be with his wife and to have served a life of goodness in everything he did. I thought he was such a handsome man that had such a sensitive and loving heart. What wonderful memories you must have of this sweet man and your wonderful mother. What a wonderful legacy he has left you. All my love MaryLyne Witney.

  2. REPLY
    Duane Newitt says

    I worked with. And lived by your father for many years .he was a great man and a good friend this is a great day for him

  3. REPLY
    Steven Cobbley says

    Merrill worked with my dad (Glade Cobbley) for years at Mountain Bell. He always spoke highly of Merrill. I know that the Mountain Bell family was a great experience for my dad. May you find heavens choicest blessings in this time of new beginnings.

  4. REPLY
    Cody Jensen says

    To a dear friend:
    It’s not easy for me to see you go. Everyone misses you so much, but we know you are in a better place now. I know you are watching over us and keeping us safe. Although we have lost a loved one on earth, we have gained an angle in heaven. Even with all the knowledge we have it still hurts to see you go. I remember all the good times we shared and how I wish you could still be here. You will always be in my heart and I know I will always be in yours. As the days go by I hope it gets a little easier. I will miss the holidays together and all the fun times, its just not the same without you. I know your time was up and you had to go, god was calling your name and its now time to start another chapter. You made such a great impact on so many people and I thank you for that. I just with I could still walk down that street and visit with you.

    Thanks for giving me the opportunity to get to know you Merrill Peay. I will miss listening to your stories about playing baseball with your friends, living in lake shore and fishing with friends. I will remember you for being one of the sharpest dress guys I knew, from your button up shirts to your cowboy boots you always dressed the part. (Maybe that where Michelle got it from). Your yard and garden were always immaculate and the envoy of the neighborhood. You always showed genuine love and concern for others. I don’t ever remember coming to see you and you not complimenting someone for how beautiful or handsome they looked. From the first time we met at your beautiful home in Midway I always felt welcomed by you. You treated me like I was always a member of the family. I enjoyed you walking me around your Midway home and showing me your recent projects like the fire pit, new trees you were planting, the table on the back deck that folded up into a bench, or the latest project in the new shop that you loved so much. I know you didn’t love the recognition for your military service but thank you. Thanks for serving your god as a missionary and being an example to your family.

    I will never forget the time we caught so many fish in Lake Powell that we had to throw most of them overboard or the fishing trip to Deer Creek where you drove your boat close to the shore where no one could see us clean all the fish. Thank you for playing pool with my kids, being to their baptism’s, sports games and birthday’s.

    I can only imagine what it was like to reunite with your family and friends when you were called home. I can see you now riding one of your favorite horses with your many dogs following right behind you. Maybe playing a little baseball with some old friends or mowing some grass on a John Deer tractor. Tell we meet again old friend please take care of things in heaven. Keep a watchful eye on all of us and give a nudge when needed. Love you always.

  5. REPLY
    Joe Probst says

    To the Peay family.
    Marsha and I are heart broken after seeing that your father and mother both have passed. Two of the most special people we know. The Deer Creek and Charleston Wards were never the same after their moving. May you as the Peay family continue to make your folks proud.

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