Merrill Raymond Pack was born April 15, 1923 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the first of four children born to Mercy Ethelin (Lewis) and William Raymond Pack.

The family later moved back to Kamas, Utah, where he graduated from Summit High School. He attended BYU for a time, and then joined the U.S. Army Air Corps.

He was a radio operator on a B-17 crew and flew 50 missions out of Italy in World War II. After his honorable discharge, Merrill resumed his studies at BYU, graduating with a major in Agronomy and minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. While there, he married Donna Jean Petersen, from Brigham City, Utah, daughter or Elva Leone (Bingham) and Royes J. Petersen., in the Salt Lake City Temple. They then moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he achieved his PhD in Soils and Plant Physiology.

He then took a position at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, teaching and doing research. Five years later, they returned to the Provo/ Orem area, where he worked as a plant physiologist for Geneva Steel, conducting research on the effect of air pollution on plants and developing air sampling and analysis methods.

After seven years with Geneva Steel, Merrill accepted a post with Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where he continued his air pollution research, and later taught classes. He worked there until he retired as a Plant Physiologist and Professor of Environmental Engineering in May 1985.

In 1987, Merrill and Donna were called to serve in the Accra, Ghana, LDS mission. Upon their return, Merrill enjoyed gardening, home improvement and grandchildren. He served in many capacities in the LDS Church, including Bishop, Stake high councilman, genealogy work, scouting, and others. Merrill and Donna moved back to Utah Valley in 1995 to be closer to family.

Merrill passed away Saturday, April 23, 2005, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived, by his wife, Donna of the home; daughters, Ramona (Lane) Kissell of Wenatchee, Washington; Marilyn Bauder of Orem; Rebecca (Delbert) Mack of Tucson, Arizona; and Valerie (Curtis) Swenson of Sandy, Utah; and sons, Robert (Anona) Pack and Brad Pack, both of Orem. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Merrill was preceded in death by his father and mother, a sister Joyce (Elwin) Rees, and his son-in-law, Lane Kissell. Merrill will be forever revered and remembered for his wise counsel, silly songs, hardworking ingenuity, and, most of all, for this devotion and dedication to his wife and family.
The family would like to express its gratitude for the kind and loving care of the staff and nurses at Orem Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services for Merrill will be held Saturday, April 30, 2005 at the Aspen 8th Ward chapel at 1485 N. 800 W. in Orem. A viewing will begin at 9:45-10:45 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00. Interment will be in the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com

Published by Deseret News from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29, 2005.

I know how difficult this time is and pray that the Spirit will bring the family the peace that comes from the knowledge that their father and grandfather is happy and well and the other side. My thoughts and prayers are with all.
Deborah Ellis, April 29, 2005

We extend our heart-felt sympathy to the family of Merrill Pack. We will remember him as a kind and loving father, husband and grandfather. He accepted our son into his family with such happiness and appreciation. He was a great example to us.
James and Terry Brown, April 28, 2005