Theon Merrill Jr.

Virgil Theon Merrill Jr. of Preston, Idaho returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on April 9, 2018 at the age of 65. He passed away surrounded by family at the Murray IMC from complications of a stroke.

Theon was born on June 28 1952 in Logan, Utah.  He was the son of Virgil Theon Merrill Sr. and Evelyn Pierce Merrill of Trenton, Utah. Theon married Nancy Schaub on September 28, 1996.   He is survived in this life by his wife, Nancy Schaub Merrill, brothers Craig (Kathy), Danny, Jason (Cindy) and sister Vickie Merrill Spillet.  His children Cory (Stephanie), Holly Merrill, Stacy (Jason) Bingham, Ryan (Michelle), Kelly (Justin) Campbell, Bradey (Lacey), and Tiffany (Cameron) Dockstader. His step children Dusty (Martha) Hansen, Corey (Trisa) Hansen, Jed (Sesami) Hansen, Kevin Hansen and Mandie (Greg) White, together Nancy and Theon have 41 grand children and 3 great grandchildren.  

He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all his heart, and strived to deepen his understanding of it daily.  He lived the Christ like attribute of ministering to others, and encouraged his family and friends to do the same. He made lifelong friends wherever he went.  He served a mission in Munchen, Germany. Later, he and Nancy served a three year language service mission. Throughout his life he enjoyed serving in various church callings.  He loved teaching the Gospel, working in the temple and doing missionary work.

Theon was a continual  learner and enjoyed all opportunities life presented to embrace knowledge and education.  He completed a bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a minor in Math and a BA in German. He was an outstanding wrestler.  He participated in wrestling both in high school and in college. In high school he went to state and was awarded a wrestling scholarship for Utah State University.  He continued wrestling through college and went on to coach wrestling at Mountain Crest High School.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Preston 1st Ward LDS Chapel, 213 South 200 East in Preston. There will be a viewing held in his honor at Webb Funeral home located at 1005 South 800 East, Preston, ID Friday, April 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:30-11:30 at the church. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com