W. Merrill Hymas Obituary (1929 - 2017)

William Merrill Hymas, our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on Sept. 16, 2017 after a short illness. Born in Ogden, Utah on July 16, 1929 to William Ray Hymas and Leonie Green. Raised in Ogden, he was known for his wonderful smile and kind disposition. He learned the value of work at a young age beginning his 15 years of service with the Ogden News at age 8 by selling magazines door-to-door. He was involved in track and basketball at Ogden High School where his speed earned him the nickname “The Ogden High Flash.” While in junior high he met the love of his life, Darlene Coop. Her infamous “wink” began their fabulous journey together. They married on June 8, 1949 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Following their marriage, Merrill began his lifetime of service in the LDS Church serving a two-year mission in the Northwestern States Mission. He received his education from Weber State College. He worked for Mt. Bell for 29 years, retiring as Southern Utah District Operations Manager. He then worked 15 years for Farmers Insurance. Merrill served faithfully in many church callings. He found his service as Bishop of the Provo Edgemont 7th Ward and a BYU married student ward especially rewarding. He and Darlene also served together as missionaries in the New York New York South Mission and for 10 years at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. He was very active in civic organizations serving in leadership positions with Rotary, UVIDA, Boy Scouts, and the United Way. He is survived by his wife, Darlene, four children, Richard (Marilyn), Laurie Lundberg (Scott), Robert (Kathy), and Scott (Alison), 21 grandchildren, and 53 great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Smedley. Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bingham Creek Stake Center, 8539 South 2200 West, West Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, Sept. 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan, Utah and from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Bingham Creek Stake Center prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Ogden City Cemetery. If you will be attending the viewing Friday evening and traveling on northbound I-15, please use the 11400 S. Exit as the 10600 S. Exit is closed.