Kenneth Leon Merrill

Obituary

Kenneth Leon Merrill

Kenneth Leon Merrill, 92, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at his home in Rexburg, Idaho.

Born October 12, 1933 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Kenneth Merrill and Uarda Webster Merrill. Leon attended schools in Rockford and Moreland and graduated from Snake River High School. At the age of 18 his father died in a farm accident, leaving Leon to run the family farm in Thomas, Idaho.

He married Elizabeth "Beth" Leatham, June 26, 1953 in the Idaho Falls temple. Their children are Becki, Sandra, Janette, Lynda and Brian.

Leon had several professions: dairy farmer, realtor, entrepreneur, builder, and woodworker. He loved serving in his church and temple callings. At age 16, he attended the 1950 National Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge.

Leon was a friend to everyone. He gathered friends far and wide, having lived in many communities and states. Family had the biggest part of his heart. Every event he could possibly attend was a priority.

In 1979, his wife, Beth passed away. He was blessed to find a wonderful partner, Bobbie Harris Dawson, and they married October 17, 1987. He gained four children by this marriage, Shamaine, Shane, Blake and Ryan. He took them as his own, and the family became complete.

Leon is survived by his children, Becki (Brad) Jamison of Idaho Falls ID, Sandra (Duane) Ricks of Rexburg ID, Janette (Rob) Wynn of Moreland ID, Lynda (Paul) Heiner of Ashton ID, Brian (Barbara) Merrill of Rexburg ID, Shamaine (Steve) Oram of Longview TX, Shane (Jamie) Dawson of Mesa AZ, Blake (Brandi) Dawson of Idaho Falls ID, Ryan (Kara) Dawson of Santan Valley AZ; his sisters Elaine Morehead of Idaho Falls and Devota Gardner of Pocatello; 47 grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beth, wife Bobbie, brother Clendon, sister-in-law, Roseanne, sister, Maurine, brothers-in-law Rex Hamilton and Bill Morehead, and sons-in-law Roger Christiansen and Paul Whyte.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Thomas LDS Church. The family will meet with friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Hawker Funeral Home, then again prior to the service at the church, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery.