William Merrill Worthen

W. Merrill Worthen passed away on Friday, June 29, 2007 in Logan, Utah, five days after celebrating his 89th birthday. Merrill was born on June 24, 1918 in Ferron, Utah, and was the youngest of nine children born to Joseph Richard and Rasmina Louise ?Minnie? Worthen. Merrill grew up in Ferron on his father?s farm and later moved to Logan to attend Utah State University in 1938. His major was Industrial Arts. He met Arline Jacobsen, dated and courted her, and they were married in the Logan LDS Temple, July 21, 1939. Merrill worked for his brother-in-law in the building business, and later started his own business, Worthen Construction. He was known as one of the finest wood craftsman in the valley, and built many lovely homes and beautiful handcrafted furniture. He learned the trade of building from his father-in-law Ephriam Jacobsen, and became the third generation of builders from Denmark. His wife?s grandfather, Lars Jacobsen, helped to construct notable buildings throughout the valley including the Logan Temple, Logan Tabernacle, and Old Main. Merrill served in many Church positions, including 3 Bishoprics, Elder?s Quorum President, and in the Young Men?s Organization. He and his wife served as Officiators in the Logan Temple for almost 20 years. He is survived by his wife Arline of Logan, Judy Harold Lloyd of Mendon, Dennis Ruth Worthen of Hyde Park, 9 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Sedonia Jolley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We as a family are grateful to our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the supreme example of love, compassion, righteousness, and patriarchal leadership. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 2, 2007 at ll: 00 a.m. in the Logan 16th Ward Chapel, 600 North 125 West, Logan. There will be viewing held on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and also prior to services on Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Church. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com