Dale Ward Merrell of Globe, Arizona departed this life on Thursday, June 9, 2022. He was born on July 23, 1947 in Safford, Arizona. Dale was the third child of Flora Fay and Meriner Ward Merrell. He and his three siblings were raised in Safford. In his youth he enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing and working on his dad’s Frito-Lay route. Upon graduating high school, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the North Central States Mission.
Dale married Bonnie Merrell (Smith) on May 5, 1979. Together they raised four beautiful children in Globe. Dale attended Eastern Arizona College and the University of Arizona, ultimately earning a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He worked as a chemist in the mining industry for approximately forty years. He had an inquisitive mind and loved to learn. As a result of his love of science and desire to impart knowledge to the rising generation, he worked as an instructor at Eastern Arizona College, Gila Pueblo Community College Campus. He left an immeasurable impact on the youth throughout his thirty-plus years of service as a Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a recipient of the rare and prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his continued unselfish and effective service to the community. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed many fifty-mile backpacking trips, camps, hikes and a variety of other outdoor adventures with Scouts and his family. Dale was an ardent Arizona Wildcats fan, a World War II history scholar, reading enthusiast and storyteller. His membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was a focal point in his life. His greatest love was quality time spent with family. He was a beloved father, grandfather and member of the community, who touched the lives of all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Merrell, his father Meriner Merrell, his mother Flora Merrell and his brother Dean Merrell. He is survived by his sons Glenn Merrell (Bianca), Allan Merrell (Tess) and David Merrell (Kara); his daughter C. Cyleste Merrell (David); his siblings Judy Lunt (Dave) and Joan Bull (Craig); and eleven beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Travis, Ethan, Henry, Layla, Timothy, Melanie, Scarlet, Eleanor, Nathan and Matthew.
Visitation was held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Church of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center in Globe, Arizona.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center in Globe.
Interment followed at Pomerene Cemetery in Pomerene, Arizona.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
