Paul Kent Merrill

Paul Kent Merrill, age 85, passed away quietly from this life in the early morning of Saturday, September 23, 2023.
Born to Rufus Taft Merrill and Florence Caroline Larsen Paul began his life in Pocatello, Idaho on May 21, 1938. He was the youngest of three children, his older sister, Janet and older brother, Ralph. Paul grew up in Pocatello, Idaho and attended Pocatello Senior High School, Idaho State College, and Brigham Young University. He graduated with both Batchelors and Masters in Mathematics.
Paul and Rae Ann were married in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on August 31, 1962. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage.
Paul and Rae Ann raised their five children in Poughkeepsie, New York and San Jose, California. In 2004 they retired in Gig Harbor, Washington. Paul worked several occupations including as a surveyor, an engineer trainee at the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state, a mathematician at IBM, a computer programmer, and a software education trainer. Paul’s hobbies consisted of fly tying and fly fishing, running a website to track obituaries of his 1956 high school class, and gardening. He and Rae Ann enjoyed family history research and volunteering and serving in the Seattle LDS Temple. He especially loved spending time with his family. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in many callings, including Sunday School teacher, Stake Mission Leader, Employment Specialist, High Council member, Bishop of the San Jose South Stake 17th Ward, counselor in the San Jose South Stake Presidency, and Gig Harbor Stake Patriarch.
Paul was preceded in death by many whom he loved, including his son Perry Kent Merrill, his parents, and his brother and sister. He is survived by his wife, Rae Ann Wilkes Merrill, his four living children, Melanie Fields (Karl), Valerie Merrill, Nathan Merrill (Jane), and Michael Merrill (Naomi), and 16 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held:
Saturday, October 7th at 10:00am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel
8002 Dorotich Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Interment following funeral service:
Saturday, October 7th, 2023 Haven of Rest 8503 Hwy 16 NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Family and friends may leave online condolences and memories at -https://www9.funeralwebhost.com/hrg/notices/Paul-Merrill”

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