Uncle Merrill

Merrill Asay Despain passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at his home in Mapleton at the age of 69. He was born May 4, 1939 in Byron, Wyoming to William Quayle and Mary Asay Despain. He married Gertrude Venene Schnebly in Mesa, Arizona Temple on April 25, 1964. Together they had seven children and were later divorced. He married Iris Ann Robinson in the Provo Temple on January 16, 1990.

Merrill served in the National Guard from 1957-1961. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served a mission to the central states. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, camping and hunting. He also enjoyed reading, poetry, music and playing the guitar.

He is survived by his wife, Iris; children: Licia Kim, Bill Despain, Neil Despain, Anna Despain and Joy Kunzler; stepchildren: Brian Prince, Michael Prince, Jay Lynn Prince and Karl Prince; 27 grandchildren; and 9 brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by two sons, David and Benjamin Despain, and one granddaughter, Shyann Prince.

That is all about my Uncle Merrill. He had liver cancer and heart failure. He was my grandpa Despain's older brother by maybe 4 years. Sad.