Merlin Wilbur Taylor

BURLEY – Merlin Wilbur Taylor, age 80, of Burley, passed away Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, at his home.

He was born to Wilbur Carl and Ethel Barker Taylor, on Jan. 25, 1938. Merlin was the third of six children and grew up in the Almo and Elba area. He attended Almo Elementary and Raft River schools. He was a mischievous child, getting out of clarinet lessons and riding his horse on Sundays while everyone else was in church.

Merlin started working at the young age of eight, riding derrick horse; he also worked on local ranches as he got older.

Merlin graduated in 1956, and married Barbara Ann Udy on Nov. 15, 1957, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They had two children, Laurel Ann, and Gary Allen. They soon moved to California where Merlin worked various jobs. He then started driving truck and was a member of the Teamsters. One of his jobs was working for Newhall Refinery driving tankers. He hauled jet fuel, stove oil, and toluene. He met some of his best friends through this job. His last job was with Curtis Sand and Gravel. He always said “Ben was the best boss”.

In 1987, Merlin met his best friend for life, Suzanne Cron. When he retired in June of 1995, they moved to his home in Burley, Idaho.

Merlin leaves behind his wife, Suzanne Taylor; his daughter, Laurel (Jeff) Trimble of Rigby, his son, Gary (Julie) Taylor, of Jerome; his grandchildren, Brian (Jodene) Trimble of Rigby, Jared (Shaeleigh) Trimble of Iona, Ashley (Jesse) Packer of Rigby, Jennifer (Neil) Mandis of Jerome, Craig Taylor of Pocatello, Mandy Taylor of Ogden, Utah, Rachel Taylor of Twin Falls; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; and his sister, Florene.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where a viewing will be held one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at the Grandview Cemetery in Elba.

The family would like to thank Dr. Pates and staff, Minidoka Home Health and Hospice for your loving care and compassion of Merlin and a special thank you to Lacie and Diane.