Joseph Merrill Lowe, 87, of Orem, Utah died Monday, June 29, 1987 at Care West Nursing Center in Orem of cancer. He was born February 15, 1900, the first son of Daniel Joseph and Mary Ellen Banks Lowe in Parowan, Utah. He married Emily Beal June 29, 1920 in Basin, Wyoming. She died July 20, 1926. He then married Anna Lucile Jensen June 30, 1931 in Mayfield, Utah. The marriage was solemnized July 2, 1935 in the Manti temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked in a glass factory in Lovell, Wyoming. He was later employed as an electrician for Wasatch Furnace and was maintenance man for PL Larson. He was a custodian for ten years for the Bureau of Reclamation. He retired at age 78. Merrill was an active high priest in the LDS church. He served as High Priest Group Leader and as a home teacher. He did much temple work and at the time of his death was serving as secretary of his gospel doctrine class. Survivors include his wife of Orem, three sons and two daughters: Gail R. Lowe and Roger E. Lowe both of Salt Lake City; Allen B. Lowe of Tonapah, Nevada; Ida L. Coleman of Springville; LuNell Bullock of Salt Lake City; 29 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren; 3 sisters and one brother: LuNita Thompson and Ada Burnham both of Lovell, Wyoming; Wanda Rockhill of Middleton, Idaho; Max Lowe of Worland, Wyoming. Two sons and one daughter preceded him in death: Ivan Lowe, Shirl Merrill Lowe and Gloria Nell Lowe. Services will be Thursday, July 2, 1987 in the Sharon West Stake Center, 1700 S 400 East Orem. Friends may call Wednesday, 7-9 pm at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S State, Orem and Thursday one hour prior to the service at the stake center. Burial at the Orem City Center.

Joseph Merrill Lowe was born 15 February 1900 in Parowan, Utah. His parents are Daniel Joseph Lowe and Mary Ellen Banks. He moved to Cowley, Wyoming in 1904 and grew up in the area. He married Emily Beal 29 June 1920. They were parents of Ida, born 13 June 1921 (died 2009), Ivan born 7 June1, 1923 (died 1980) and a son, born pre-mature on 20 July, 1926. He died that same day and Emily died 10 days later on 30 July, 1926 due to complications from the birth. Merrill went to Mayfield, Utah in search of work. He met Anna Lucile Jensen who he married on 30 June 1931. She went by Lucile. Merrill was a hard worker, installing furnaces, wiring houses and working for his brother-in-law, Steve. He was active in his High Priest Group and was a regular attendee at church meetings. He passed away 29 June 1987. Their children are: Gail Rex born 22 April 1932. He married Carol Joyce Madson. Gail died in 2013. Gloria Nell born 5 April 1933. She died 14 May 1936. Shirl Merril born 27 Feb 1936. He married Ilene Reese. He died 13 June 1964. Roger Eugene born 22 Sept 1938. He married Roanne Reese. He died in 2013. Allen Banks born 8 July 1945. He married Barbara Riding White. He died 2017. LuNell born 9 Oct 1947. She married Alden Bullock.

I remember visiting Uncle Merrill and Aunt Lucille in Orem. They always seemed so happy to have us come. He liked to joke and laugh and he always seemed happy. When Shirl died Uncle Merrill was so kind and caring to both his wife and his daughter-in-law. I'm sure he was broken hearted but he showed so much attention and kindness towards others. Because we lived a few states away, our chances to be together were rare. We looked forward to family reunions, meeting in Wyoming at Grandma Lowe's house and the occasional visits in Utah or Montana when our families could be together.

Some stories written about Uncle Merrill show his named spelled with only one "l" at the end. His daughter, LuNell, states that the correct spelling is "Merrill"