Mervin Barnhurst

    On the evening of September 13, 2023, Mervin James Barnhurst from Hatch, Utah, returned home to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his family.
    Mervin, or “Merv”, was born in the Spring of 1941 in a one room log cabin in Hatch.  He lived over 82 years and each one was meaningful as he filled many different roles as a son and a brother of six siblings.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric Mervin and Ora Wilcock Barnhurst and three of his siblings.
    In his youth, he helped on his family’s homestead and learned to hunt and fish with his dad and grandpa.  As a young man, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission.  He also served time in the Army where he was stationed in Korea.  The roles he was most proud of were that of husband, father and grandfather.
    It was love at first sight when he met Lorna Pollock, and they married in the fall of 1966 in the St. George Temple.  They had six children together: Ora LaFaun, Jolyn (Tim Smith), Leslie (Jeff Taylor), Julie, David and Brent; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  
    While raising his family, he served his community of  Hatch on the town council and as mayor.  He served on the Garfield County School Board, was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the Silver Beaver award which is one of the highest awards in this organization.  His service in the Church included Primary teacher, ward clerk, high  member, bishop and bishop’s counselor. 
    He worked as a mechanic and warehouse manager after completing schooling and was fortunate enough to work for most of his life with Garkane Power in Hatch.  When he had spare time, he loved spending it with his family getting firewood, hunting, camping and fishing, especially on the Boulder Mountain.  He was an excellent chef with Dutch ovens and was famous for warning everyone he cooked for, “If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault!”
    He spent his final two years in the Garfield Memorial Nursing Home after suffering a stroke.  His goal was to improve his strength so that he could return home and care for his sweetheart, Lorna.  In the end his physical body would not let him accomplish this goal.  He taught all of us the importance of enduring to the end and living a meaningful life, no matter what your circumstances may be.
    Perhaps his greatest legacy is his example of expressing gratitude.  For 80 years he had been the one serving others, and it was not easy for him to accept the fact that he needed assistance.  No matter how uneasy or painful he found some of these situations to be, he would always acknowledge that he knew they were doing their best to help him.  As a caregiver or a family member was leaving, he would always conclude with a “Thank you!” So, from all of us that you have temporarily left behind, for all the service you gave, and for the gratitude you showed us when we had the privilege of serving you, we say, “Thank you, Merv! and God be with you till we meet again.”
    The family extends their gratitude to all of the caregivers and employees of Garfield Memorial Hospital who cared for Dad.  
    In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by brothers: Del (Barbara) Barnhurst, Dan (Kim) Barnhurst, Daryl Barnhurst.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Wallace and Kenneth (Kathy); sister, Nadine; sisters-in-law: Linda Jackson and Marcia Barnhurst; and brother-in-law, Gayle Pollock.
    Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Hatch Utah Ward Chapel, where friends may call from 11:00 to 12:30.  Burial will be in the Hatch Cemetery with military honors.  Online guest book and live streaming of the services available at www.maglebymortuary.com below Mervin’s obituary.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.