Mervyn Sharp Bennion Jr.

Mervyn Bennion Obituary

Mervyn S. Bennion, Jr. 1925 ~ 2003 Mervyn Sharp Bennion, Jr., 78, passed away on August 26, 2003 at his home in Salt Lake City after a long illness.He was born on April 20, 1925 in Washington, D.C. to Captain Mervyn S. Bennion and Louise Clark Bennion. As the son of a naval officer, he grew up in several cities including Washington, D.C.; Newport News, VA; San Diego and Long Beach, CA; and Salt Lake City. He served an LDS mission in the Northwestern States Mission, where he met his future wife, LaRee (Larrie) Stradling. They wed on January 21, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. Mervyn had a sharp mind, with a great knowledge of classical music, history and the gospel, and a keen sense of humor. He graduated from East High School. During his stint in the navy, he attended a number of universities and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1945. He was employed by ZCMI from 1949 to 1969, and the LDS Church from 1969 until his retirement in 1996. He earned his Master of Public Administration in 1983 from BYU. He is survived by five children: Mervyn S. Bennion, III, St. George; Robert S. Bennion (Sydney), Santa Monica, CA; John S. Bennion, Pocatello, ID; Rebecca Ann Bennion and J. Michael Bennion, Salt Lake City; and six grandchildren: Mervyn Sharp, IV, (Mick), Madison Ashley, Nathaniel Loren, Catherine Anne, Emily Elizabeth, and Peter Clark. He was preceded in death by his wife, Larrie, in 1999, and his parents. The family would like to thank Tule Iloa, Cindy Kamauvae, the staff of CareSource Hospice, and Tom Lyness, for the tremendous care they gave him during his illness. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2003 at Noon at the Ensign 6th Ward, 589 E. 18th Ave, Salt Lake City. Friends may call at the ward prior to the services from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Burial will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Funeral Directors Larkin Mortuary.

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Published by Deseret News from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Mervyn Bennion

9 Entries

Wanda Kartchner

September 19, 2003

Dear Mick, Bob, John, Becky and Mike: Was glad to be with you for your father's viewing and funeral and at the cemetery and luncheon. I have many special memories of your parents and you children, especially of your mother who is my younger sister. We grew up together and shared so many wonderful times. I hope that you can all keep in touch with each other, especially Becky and Mike who were so close to your parents in their final days. Please let me know what goes on with you also. I love you very much, your aunt Wanda Kartchner

John and Mary Ellen Naylor

September 2, 2003

To our Bennion cousins,

We are so sorry to hear about Mervyn . We will always remember the fun family gatherings we've had over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

John and Mary Ellen (Davis) Naylor and children, (LuLu's daughter and family)

James, Kimberly & Family Andrews

August 29, 2003

Dear John and Family, We received the sad news of your fathers passing from Kim's parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that your friends in St. Louis are here for you in any way you need support. Take care and God Bless. Love

Jim, Kim, Alyson, Amelia, & Anna

Doreen Carey

August 29, 2003

My thoughts and love go to you and your family, Becky. We have missed you this week at school. I will not be able to attend the viewing or the funeral on Saturday but you wish you well. Know that I love and appreciate you and your support. I respect and cherish our friendship. Take care my dear.

Doreen

Pete Pratt

August 28, 2003

Merv and I were fellow Church employees and good friends for many years. I didn't know we shared a fondness for classical music, but I loved his sense of humor that lightened every one of the (seemingly) innumerable meetings we attended together. He's a great man and a great friend.

May the knowledge that he "IS" not "was" lighten the sense of loss that all who know him feel at his promotion to a better place.

Richard and Sharley Leonard

August 28, 2003

Merv will always be remembered for his keen mind, quick whit and easy laugh. It has been a pleasure being his friend and neighbor over the last twenty-seven years. We are happy he is now reunited with his father from whom he'd been separated for so many years. We imagine his meeting Larrie is a joy beyond description. Know that Merv has been missed during his long confinement and we will always think of him with fondness.

Lee and Kathy Baca

August 28, 2003

For my Dad and Mom, With heartfelt sympathy and great love for you all! (Randy)

Tule Iloa

August 28, 2003

Part of Our Hearts Forever

Could we ever forget your sparkling eyes

or the way you brightened each day,

or your smile which is etched in our memories,

so you're never far away?

Could we ever forget those priceless moments?

The answer, of course, is never.

For you were part of our lives for a brief time,

but you'll be part of our hearts forever.

In Loving Memory of

MERVYN S. BENNION JR.

Mick, Bob, John, Becky, Michael,

We hope this helps you through your difficult time.

With Love, Iloa Family.