Gordon Merl Lofthouse

Gordon Merl Lofthouse (Mert)

 December 26, 1941 – July 20, 2019

Merl was born in Logan, UT to Preston & Elva Lofthouse on December 26, 1941. He was an active high school student playing football at South Cache High. His fondest memory is playing defense with the biggest rival North Cache and taking on Merlin Olsen.

Merl married Edith Louis Brown in 1964, they had 3 children Tonya (Eric) Stene of Austin Texas, Wade (Melissa) Lofthouse of Evanston Wyoming, and Benny (Tonja) Lofthouse of Jensen Utah. 12 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. They later divorced and Merl married Tamara Sorenson; she has Thad (Tori) Nielson and Allen (Savana) Nielson, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. They later divorced. Merl loved all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Merl was proud of his all the children in different ways, he started that Tonya made him proud of her decision to go to college and complete it. He was proud of Wade for winning the high school nationals in saddle bronc riding, and he was proud of Ben for following his passion in raising successful bucking bulls. He was proud of Thad for his wrestling, and he was proud of Allen for being in the Armed Services.

Survived by: His Children, Brother; Boyd (Joan) Lofthouse of Logan, UT & his sister; Maurine Jessop of Ammon, Idaho.

Merl started riding broncs at a young age and it seemed to fit him very well, he would practice riding on a bronc called (Hyrum Special #21) little did he know at the time #21 Hyrum Special was chosen to go to the NFR. Merl was the Champion Saddle Bronc rider in 1989 for the RMRA. He rode in the PRCA and just about any rodeo he could find. He had a long career in rodeo either riding broncs or being a pick up man for multiple stock contractors. At the age of 55 Merl had a bet he couldn’t ride a bronc so he took that bet and won! Merl always liked to see a good rodeo wreck and big long legged fancy horse that was a little broncy to boot. Merl was named the pick-up man of the year for Western States Rodeo Association. It wasn’t uncommon for Merl to pick up cowboy then turn around and be a contestant at the same rodeo. Merl had a strong passion for horse trading “He would buy one on Tuesday so he had something to trade on that Friday!” There was a softer side of Merl that only some folks got to see, he would always cheer for the underdog in fights and he never turned his back on helping a friend in need.

Merl is proceeded in death by his parents, sister DeAnn, brothers Cordell & Lyle and his grandson Colby Lofthouse. 

A viewing will be held at the Crandall Funeral Home 800 Uinta St, Evanston, Wyoming from 6-8 pm on Thursday, July 25, 2019. A viewing will also be held at the Blackburn & Sons Vernal Mortuary 15 East 100 North, Vernal, Utah from 9:30-10:30 am on Saturday July 27, 2019. Graveside Services will be held at the Jensen Cemetery at 11:00 am. 

Compassionate Services by Jensen ward relief society will be immediately following services at the Jensen church. Services entrusted by Blackburn and Sons Vernal Mortuary and Cremation Care.