Merrill Martin

Merrill James ‘Mike’ Martin

Merrill J. ‘Mike’ Martin of Jackson, Wyoming and Evanston, Wyoming, died June 24, 2014 at his ranch home in Evanston.
He was born to John James Martin and Dorothy Brown Martin on September 10, 1932 in Knight (Hilliard Flats) Wyoming.  He attended school in Evanston, Wyoming.  He served a mission in Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He married his sweetheart, Carol Beasley, on June 4, 1956, in the Logan LDS Temple.  Shortly after their marriage, Mike was drafted and sent to Quantico, Virginia. Following military service, Mike and Carol returned to Wyoming where their first child, Richard Lee was born.  Mike then moved his small family to Bountiful, Utah. While in Utah, four more children joined their family: Wesley Dee, Susan, Mikal James and Mary Charleen.
In 1966, a job opportunity took Mike and his family to Jackson, Wyoming where he began Martin Heating Inc. Two more children were born to Mike and Carol in Jackson: Kirt Beasley and Merrill B. Both of whom died shortly after birth.
Mike was a successful businessman.  His HVAC Mechanical Contractor business was a major part of Jackson Hole and Western Wyoming for over 30 years.  Mike loved work. He loved the mountains. His horses, hunting and fishing were his passions. He loved people and made friends wherever he went. Mike’s greatest joy came from his relationships with his children and grandchildren.
After retiring, he bought a cattle ranch in Evanston, Wyoming. He and Carol enjoyed going back and forth from Jackson to Evanston.  They loved both places and considered both of them home.
Mike was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed a lifetime of service fulfilling many church callings. Together with his sweetheart, they served for many years in the Idaho Falls Temple and completed a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Mike is preceded in death by two infant sons, a brother, John Wesley (Jack), his parents and his beloved wife Carol. He is survived by his children: Richard (Cathy) Martin -  Spanish Fork, Utah, Wesley (DeAnn) Martin – Liberty Lake, Washington, Susan (Rodney) Roberts – Ammon, Idaho, Mikal Martin – Boise, Idaho and Charleen (Wayne) Bendixen – Soda Springs, Idaho. Also survived by a brother, Aaron (Nancy) Martin of Evanston, Wyoming and two sisters – Elaine Harris of Evanston, Wyoming and Charlotte (Monty) Hooton of Union, Oregon, 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston, Wyoming. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Elm Street LDS Chapel on Friday, June 27, 2014 with Bishop Aaron Martin officiating.  The family will visit with friends for one hour before services on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Evanston Cemetery.