Kenneth J. Merkley

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Kenneth J. Merkley, (Ken), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 27, 2016 after an extended illness. He was born in Tridell, Utah on June 6, 1933 to John Golden Merkley and Carrie Macel Swensen. He joined the Navy at the age of 18 years old and served aboard the USS Comstock from 1952 to 1955, during the Korean War. He married his sweetheart, Darla Jean Fogg on June 16, 1956 in Long Beach, California, the marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Salt Lake Temple in 1960. Ken was a diesel mechanic who worked hard to support his family. He loved being in the out-of-doors, camping, chopping firewood and fishing. He somehow always managed to catch a fish, even when no one else could get a nibble! Above all else though, he really loved and enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren. He served faithfully in many callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and he will always be remembered for his willingness to help someone in need. He is survived by his wife, Darla, and their daughters, Diana Gray, (Craig), Nalene Koehler, (Mike), and Alaine (Lainie) Lounsbury, (Brian Permalee). His 7 grandchildren, Kevin, Jenna (Raul Luna), Allison, Ian, Shelby, Hayley, and Matthew, and his great granddaughter, Kamila. He is also survived by his 3 sisters, Lucille Terry, Marynell Snow, and Nila (Paul) Luchies, along with numerous brother and sister in laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Don, Deloy, and Ralph, and his sisters, Armeda Bergener,, Melba Jensen, Norma Goodrich, and Doris Merkley. His sister-in-law, Marcia Merkley Tolman, and brother-in-laws Pat Tucker, Frank Terry, Meril Snow, Max Bergener, Bill Jensen, and Dallas Goodrich. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lakewood Third Ward Building, 17660 Carpintero Avenue, Bellflower, CA.  90706 on Saturday, September 10th, at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held from 9:45 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress.Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401