Alan Reed Merrill

Alan Reed Merrill, age 69, of Annis passed away Friday May 25, 2018, at his home in Annis. Reed was born March 3, 1949, in Idaho Falls a son of Nathan Warren Merrill and Mamie Leavitt Merrill. Reed was raised in Annis, Idaho in a sweet little farm house with apple trees. He spent his childhood working on his family’s farm and attended schools in Rigby, Idaho.  He then attended Ricks College where he met Nancy Helen Carter. They were married August 6, 1971.  To this union were born ten children.  They made their home in Annis.  Nancy passed away on March 8, 1995.  Reed then met and later married Dianna Koon Carlson on October 14, 1995. With her, Dianna brought two children into the home.  Family was the most important thing in Reed’s life. He loved spending time with his family, traveling, exploring new places and camping.  Some of his main hobbies were gold mining, woodworking and gardening. Reed is survived by his wife Dianna Merrill of Annis, daughters, Suzette (Troy) Yost of Elmira, Oregon, Andrea (Justin) Rowley of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Amy (Travis) Kauer of Rigby, Emily Merrill of Rigby, Selena (Jared) Nickel of Idaho Falls, step-daughter Tiffany (Jesse) Gardner of Idaho Falls, sons, Danial (Kristie) Merrill of Rigby, Samuel (Stephanie) Merrill of Rigby, John (Natalie) Merrill of Idaho Falls, Timothy Merrill of Rigby, Step-son Steve Carlson of Idaho Falls, sisters Phyllis (Larry) Johnson, of Rigby, Cristeen (Scott) Kinghorn of Kennewick, Washington, sister-in-law Elaine Merrill of Idaho Falls, brothers Louis (Karren) Merrill of Rigby, Stanley (Margaret) Merrill of Parma, Idaho, Lamont (Denise) Merrill of Rexburg, Ross (Lynda) Merrill of Parker, Idaho, 20 grandchildren and one to be born in November. Reed was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Nancy, son Steven Merrill, brothers Wayne and Clayton. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  Private family visitation will be Thursday morning.  Burial will be at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.