1925 ~ 2003
Mervyn Sharp Bennion, Jr., 78, passed away on August 26, 2003 at his home in Salt Lake City after a long illness.
He was born on April 20, 1925 in Washington, D.C. to Captain Mervyn S. Bennion and Louise Clark Bennion. As the son of a naval officer, he grew up in several cities including Washington, D.C.; Newport News, VA; San Diego and Long Beach, CA; and Salt Lake City. He served an LDS mission in the Northwestern States Mission, where he met his future wife, LaRee (Larrie) Stradling. They wed on January 21, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Mervyn had a sharp mind, with a great knowledge of classical music, history and the gospel, and a keen sense of humor. He graduated from East High School. During his stint in the navy, he attended a number of universities and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1945. He was employed by ZCMI from 1949 to 1969, and the LDS Church from 1969 until his retirement in 1996. He earned his Master of Public Administration in 1983 from BYU.
He is survived by five children: Mervyn S. Bennion, III, St. George; Robert S. Bennion (Sydney), Santa Monica, CA; John S. Bennion, Pocatello, ID; Rebecca Ann Bennion and J. Michael Bennion, Salt Lake City; and six grandchildren: Mervyn Sharp, IV, (Mick), Madison Ashley, Nathaniel Loren, Catherine Anne, Emily Elizabeth, and Peter Clark. He was preceded in death by his wife, Larrie, in 1999, and his parents. The family would like to thank Tule Iloa, Cindy Kamauvae, the staff of CareSource Hospice, and Tom Lyness, for the tremendous care they gave him during his illness.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2003 at Noon at the Ensign 6th Ward, 589 E. 18th Ave, Salt Lake City. Friends may call at the ward prior to the services from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Burial will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Funeral Directors Larkin Mortuary.