Orrin Clark Merritt, seven year old son of Joseph M and Lera B. Merritt died at the Afton Hospital Sunday morning at 10:00 o'clock after being operated on for a ruptured appendix, he died form peritonitis. Those who cared for and attended him during his illness were especially impressed by his patience and remarkable courage. Many grown adults complain of the treatments he took without complaint.
The funeral was held at Bedford Ward Tuesday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m. Bishop Russell Titensor conducted. Lenora Fluckiger played the funeral marsh. The opening song "Sometime We'll Understand", was sung by Arch, Ivan and Dean Gardner and Ernest Turner.
Prayer was offered by Bishop R.R. Dana, Frances Palmer, Martha VanNoy and Ione Nelson sang "One Sweetly Solemn Thought".
President Clarence Gardner in speaking of how death comes to all, spoke comforting words to those bereaved. Such occasions draw us much closer to the other side and inspire us to live the Gospel more fully. Each flower has a story of love and appreciation to tell, each song sung carried a message of the gospel in an inspiring way. He paid high tribute to Joseph and his wife, and to their parents with whom he was personally acquainted. Assurance then was given of the perfect salvation of children who have not reached the age of accountability, and the thought of the eternal relationship of those married in the Temple, and the children born under the everlasting covenant. He then spoke of the frailty of the mortal body, the eternity of the spirit and the certainty of the resurrection.
"The End of a Perfect day" was played as a violin duet by Arch and Dean Gardner, accompanied by Ernest Turner.
Bishop Russell Titensor voiced his appreciation of having the Merritt family in his ward. He commented on their faith, their willing obedience and their example to their associates. This life he said "is our opportunity to fashion perfect our bodies to the eternal tabernacles of our spirits". He mentioned that through Orrin was a young he was learning to live up to the principles taught him by his parents.
Royal Preston sang "Oh Dry Those Tears". Benediction was by Roscoe Titensor.
Pall bearers were: Rex Weber, Gayle Haderlie, Elmo and Lamar Merritt, Loyd and Boyd Simpson, school friends and playmates carried the flowers which were so numerous and beautiful.
Interment was in the Bedford Cemetery under a mass of beautiful flowers.
Bro Orlando Barrus dedicated the grave.

Merritt, Orrin C (9 Sep 1937)Star Valley Independent

Parents: Joseph Marvin Merritt & Lera Barrus