Merlin Dale Gray

Merlin Dale Gray, 73, of Lincoln, Montana, formerly of Menan, died Friday, July 5, 2013. He was born October 27, 1939, in Rexburg, Idaho to George Daniel Gray and Edna Grace Davey Gray. He was raised in Plano until age 5, the family then moved to Menan. He attended schools in Menan, Rigby and Roberts. On June 2, 1961, he married Idola Valene Harris in Lewisville; they were blessed with a daughter and a son. He worked for Electric Motor Service in Idaho Falls for 24 years. He then owned and operated Gray’s Electric Motor Service for 10 years before selling the business to American Pump in Ucon; he worked for them for 8 years, until his retirement. Merlin was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed building sand rails and driving on the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. He loved boating, camping and traveling; he worked hard and played hard. Merlin is survived by his daughter, Merleen (Ken) Lumpkin, of Lincoln, Montana, son, Merlin Dee (Shannon) Gray, of Menan, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Idola Valene Gray, sisters, Sheryl Stewart, Arlee Melius, brothers, Ken Gray, Doug Gray, and Neil Gray. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2013, at the Menan LDS Stake Center, 698 N. 3600 E., Menan. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby and from 10 to 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the stake center. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com