A private family burial was held June 26 in the Otto Cemetery, and a memorial service for Merlin J. Wardell of Otto will be held July 2 (today) at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Burlington. Merlin, 82, died June 25 in Billings.
He was born Dec. 19, 1926, in Lovell, the son of Ross Dalton and Delsa Dalley Jones. Merlin grew up during the Depression and learned the value of work at a very young age. He attended elementary school in Otto, and before he completed his education at Greybull High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. From 1946-1949 he served in Puerto Rico installing communication lines. After his discharge he went to work for his father as an apprentice and began his life’s career in the masonry and construction business.
Merlin married Karen Lucille Lynn for time and all eternity on Oct. 19, 1954, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. The couple had six children.
In addition to constructing physical structures, his focus was on building individuals, families and homes. He dedicated his life to his family, teaching life’s lessons by working beside them and leading by example. Merlin loved life and shared every possible opportunity that he could with his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities.
His parents, a sister, Lette Mae Dunn, and two brothers, Ross Wardell Jr. and Calvin Wardell, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, of Otto; his children and their spouses, Monty and Dede Wardell, Marla Leithead, Tyler and Donna Wardell, Brady and Holly Wardell, Lee and Jackie Wardell Payne and Richard and Ruth Wardell; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Beth and Leo Holdaway and Jeanette and Wally Tolman; one brother and sister-in-law, Leslie and Marilyn Wardell; 33 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to South Big Horn Senior Center or the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.