Lorin "Pudge" Merkley

Lorin “Pudge” Merkley

Lorin “Pudge” Merkley passed away peacefully at his home in Maeser surrounded by family on December 6th, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born June 8, 1930, to Sidney Franklin and Carrie Burton Merkley. He graduated from Uintah High School in 1948 where he served as student body president. He attended Utah State Agriculture College in Logan Utah. 

He married his sweetheart Beverly Siddoway on September 20, 1951. They were later sealed in the Provo Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they raised 3 children: Wayne (Robyn) Merkley, Terel (Julie) Merkley and Lisa (Steve) Evans. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. After Beverly passed, he married Alice Wilson and they were later divorced. 

Pudge was involved in many business endeavors and work experiences including, The Utah State Tax Commission, Uintah County Assessor, he partnered with Jude Hacking to open the A&W Drive Inn, he also owned the County Cash Store in Maeser. Every business endeavor Pudge was involved in was secondary to his love of farming the land and raising his livestock. 

He served as president of the Vernal Rodeo Association the year it changed to the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo. He was actively involved in the Jaycees Club in Vernal, Vernal Youth Baseball Association, The Uintah Basin Jr. Livestock show and supported many community events and charities. Pudge was named Legendary Cowboy during the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo in July 2018 and most recently, received the Farm Bureau Legacy AG Award in 2024. 

He is preceded in death by his brother Don, his parents, his wife Beverly Merkley, son-in-law Tim Reynolds and daughter-in-law Robyn Merkley. He is survived by his children Wayne, Terrel, Lisa, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Pudge lived a long and productive life where he touched the lives of many people and instilled a solid work ethic in many, including his family as well as many young kids that started their work career at the A&W, the Country Cash or on the Merkley Ranch. 

He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, loved and that you alone were his favorite. Many will miss Pudge’s warm greeting of “hey sis” or “well pard”. He was full of cowboy grace & grit. In his most vulnerable time, he was kind and appreciative to all who provided his care. 

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 14th 2024 at 11 am at the Maeser Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with viewings held Friday, December 13th from 6-8 pm at the Blackburn Mortuary and Saturday 1 hour prior to service at the Chapel. Burial will be in the Rock Point Cemetery under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.