Merlin Tams

Merlin Tams, 91 died February 28, 2013. He was born May 12, 1921 in Willard, Utah to Elias Thomas and Sarah Helen Lofthouse Tams. He was the 14th of 14 children. He graduated from Box Elder High School and attended Weber College in Ogden, Utah.

Merlin is a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, serving a total of five years in the active military. He later worked as a bookkeeper and spent most of his years as a civilian employee for the Utah National Guard. He then retired from both state civil service and the U.S. Army.

Merlin Tams and Ester Fletcher were married and sealed in the Logan LDS Temple Dec 20, 1956. At this time Merlin was a warrant officer working for the Utah National Guard. They were not blessed with any children but did a lot of traveling in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe especially during the early years of their marriage.

Merlin was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held various positions in his ward.

He loved people especially his wife Esther. He always had a smile on his face. He loved being with his extended family and always loved getting together.

Merlin had a love for photography. He was always seen with his camera taking pictures. He took many pictures so he could share them with his family. He loved videos of favorite movies, travel, historical events, etc. He would buy items to remember each of the places they traveled. Merlin especially loved his flowers, birds, and cats.

Merlin was preceded in death by his wife Esther who passed away August 3, 2008. They had been married 51 years. They loved being together. He was a very devoted husband who continued to care for her by going to the Sunshine Terrace daily to spend time with her in her later years. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Maria Bishop, Elias Floyd Tams, Hannah Bankhead, Martha Jane Carlson, Pearl Woodyatt, Elijah Tams, Charlotte Elizabeth Lee, Wallace Tams, James Anthony Tams, Mary Clifton, Josiah Tams, Delbert Tams, and Margaret Forsberg. He is survived by his cat, Disney.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the Wellsville 2nd Ward Chapel, 30 South Center Street. There will be a viewing at the Church prior to the services from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Wellsville Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary in Logan, Utah.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at: www.allenmorturaies.net