Merlin Darold Anderson, 85, of Ammon, Idaho, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2013, at his winter home in Washington, Utah. He was born July 31, 1927, in Ammon, to Marvin Jasper Anderson and Flora Mae Hammer Anderson. He grew up and attended school in Ammon. He graduated from Ammon High School in 1944. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, but the war ended before in left his base in San Diego. On September 22, 1946, he married Bonnie Call in Dillon, Montana. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on March 6, 1947. He attended Radio Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri. They moved to Pocatello and then in the 1950's, they moved back to Ammon. Merlin retired from Mountain Bell as a microwave specialist after 30 years. He dearly loved spending time at their cabin in Shoup where he enjoyed his orchard on the Salmon River. Even after Bonnie's death in December 2008, Merlin continued spending winters in their St. George home. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully throughout his life. He and Bonnie served a mission to the Albuquerque New Mexico Mission from 1996-1997. Their time was spent on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona. Merlin was registered in the Boy Scouts of America for 60 years either as a scout or as a scout leader. He earned his Eagle Scout Award, and later was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award awarded to an adult leader for service. He took part in the Indian Lore program as Chief Rolling Rocks. This program later became known as the Order of the Arrow. Merlin was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was deeply devoted to his family, his religion, and his country. He was an avid gardener, earned the Master Gardener Award, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved hard work and the scouting program. He is survived by the following: Daughters: Merlene (Ron) Day of Bandera, Texas; Bonnie Suzan (Kevin) Nield of Hong Kong, China; Cindy Lou (Darrell) White of Bountiful, Utah; sons: Dr. Joseph Merlin (Mie) Anderson of Ammon; Michael Kim (Konni) Anderson of Spokane, Washington; Douglas Glenn (Becky) Anderson of Vancouver, Washington; a brother, Marvin (Rosemarie, deceased) Anderson of Ammon; a sister, Shirley (Merlyn) Browning of Shelley; 20 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Besides his parents, his wife, Bonnie, Merlin was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Alton, Jarvis, Marcel and Dorcel Anderson; a sister, Marcine and a granddaughter, Lisa Anderson. Funeral services will be at 12 Noon, Friday, February 15, 2013, at the Ammon LDS 10th Ward, 4375 E. Sunnyside with Bishop Wes Wood officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2013, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, and Friday one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery with military rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com