Merill Thorpe Murray

Richmond—Merrill Thorpe Murray, 94, better known as MUTT, passed away early Friday morning at the home of his daughter. He was born on April 17, 1914 in Wellsville, UT the son of James Littlewood and Emeline Thorpe Murray. He was one of eleven children; eight boys and three girls. He spent the first 12 years of his life in Wellsville, at which time his family moved to the Carson farm south of Richmond. He has resided in Richmond since that time. He married Virginia Hope Rasmussen on December 10, 1936; their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. To this union were born three children. He worked as a maintenance supervisor for Pet Milk, Hiland Dairy, and WDCI Dairy for a total of 48 years. He bought a BT-13 airplane and joined the Civil Air Patrol for a number of years. He served on the Richmond City Council for 20 years. He took pride in his community and spent countless hours on projects to improve it. He received an award in 1992 in appreciation for his many years of dedicated community service. He was honored as Outstanding Citizen in 1989. In 1993, he was Grand Marshall of the parade at Richmond's Black & White Celebration. He held numerous jobs in the LDS Church throughout his life. Mutt enjoyed: hunting and camping with friends, neighbors and family; flying his own air plane; playing games of horse shoes; and horseback riding, being one of the original members of the Richmond Riding Club. He is survived by a daughter, Cleo Larry Thornley and a son Terrel Julie Murray both of Richmond; and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Berry of Boise, ID. He has 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Reese T. Murray, Logan, a sister Donna Calvin Andrew, Trenton, and numerous loved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Virginia; son Cless Murray; great grandson Tyler Thornley; brothers, Evan, Ray, Jim, Ren, Karl, and Leon; and sisters Emma and Mary. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the Richmond Stake Center, 135 West Main Street. Friends may call at the Stake Center from 6-8 pm, Tuesday evening and from 10:30-11:30 am, Wednesday morning prior to services. Burial will be in the Richmond Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . The family wishes to thank Community Nursing Services for their compassionate care. A special thanks to nurses, Bette LaMont, Jean Price, Julie Gardener, Debbie Lund, Sabrina Andrew, and Collette Anderson, and to all his family, friends, and neighbors that have been so GOOD to him over the years. Thank You. He will be greatly missed and was loved by all his family and friends. We Love You Dad!