1918 ~ 2004
Our beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Merrill Dean Binks, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, August 2, 2004 surrounded by his family.
Merrill Dean (Dick) was born October 1, 1918 in Thistle, Utah to his parents, Royal Reed and Hazel Gale Binks and spent most of his youth residing in Mapleton, Utah. Merrill was active in sports while attending Springville High School and enjoyed organizing many of his class reunion celebrations. While attending Brigham Young University, he met and married his sweetheart, Annie Rowe Beck. They were married April 22, 1937 in the family home. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She died March 9, 1997.
Soon after, dad enlisted in the US Navy and served his country in World War II. After his service he returned home and obtained work at Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company while finishing his schooling at Utah Trade College. He retired from Pacific States after 43 years of service. Dad was a proud and active member of the American Legion Post 68 where he participated in honoring servicemen as he fulfilled these responsibilities. In 1990 he was acknowledged with the Kiwanis Service Award. He was an honorary member of the Diamond Fork Riding Club and was honored in 1991 as Spanish Fork City's "Volunteer of the Year." He served as president of the Jaycee's and served as commander of the American Legion Post 68. In 1996 he and his wife Rowe received the Booster award from the Spanish Fork High School Booster Club. He served in various church callings including Bishop of the Third Ward and High Councilor in the Palmyra Stake. His life was a wonderful example of service to others.
Merrill is survived by eight children: Carol Ann Spiers, Merrill Reed (JoAnn) Binks, Beverly (Shirl) Shepherd, Jeneanne (Ken) Gehringer, Rowene (Bill) Vest, Mary Swenson, Richard (Tammy) Binks, and Mark (DeAnne) Binks. He is revered by 37 grandchildren, and 61 great-grand-children and expecting two more. He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Annie Rowe Beck Binks; infant son, Gale; parents, Royal Reed and Hazel Gale Binks; two brothers, Elwyn R. and Earl Binks; son-in-law, Richard E. Spiers; and great-grand-son, Jaxon Swenson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 7, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the Spanish Fork West Stake Center, 360 North 650 West. Friends may call on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Walker Family Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork; and on Friday at the Stake Center from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.