Obituary- Merlin Horne Workman

Obituary: Merlin Horne Workman
Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jan 16, 2005

Merlin Horne Workman 30 December 1923 "Cruising Again" On January 13th, 2005 our delightful father, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, was finally taken from this mortal existence to reunite once again with his eternal companion of 55 years, Doris Rae Koger Workman, after waiting somewhat patiently for almost two years in the capable and caring hands of Heritage Care in American Fork.
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The reunion with his parents, Meltiar Hatch and Edna Horne Workman; along with his brother, Grant; and his sister, Ruth; and a granddaughter, Melissa, must have been sweet indeed. His surviving younger brother, Dale; and sisters, Beth, Gloria, and Eilene, along with their spouses, have been so supportive and were always loved deeply. Honored to be their children are Mark (Connie), Paul (Bonnie), Rae Ann (Glen) and Myron (Christy). Sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews added so much joy to their lives. Merlin was always proud to share with others the accomplishments of his children and their families. Merlin was born and raised in Delta, Utah. A Delta High grad, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corp and spent the year of 1944 in the Southwestern Pacific as a bombardier on B-24 Liberators with the Jolly Rogers ("The Best Damn Heavy Bomber Unit in the World"), as part of the 5th Air Force in the 319th Squadron where they never for a minute forgot Pearl Harbor. A highlight of his life was a reunion after 52 years with the bomber crew where the nine surviving crew members celebrated their respect and admiration for each other. Throughout his life, he enjoyed visiting Air Force museums and airports. Few older men escaped Merlin's firm grasp and broad smile before being asked about their military service. Upon his discharge, Merlin fulfilled an LDS Church mission to South Africa with a three-month stopover in Houston, Texas, where he met Doris Rae. The married years were spent in Texas, Colorado and finally back to Utah. Merlin loved LDS Church history and his pioneer ancestry. His visit to Nauvoo and Iowa in the spring of 2000 with Glen and the Workman Boys enabled him to share that love of the faith and sacrifice of the Workman, Hatch, Turner, Hales, Ellis, Horne, Morrison, and Hansen pioneer families. Family and friends remember sharing numerous trips to the National Parks where they loved sitting around a campfire visiting and sleeping in the cold mountain air. One of Merlin's few complaints of 'old age' was losing the freedom to grab Doris Rae and the car keys and go cruising. Quite simply, Merlin drove as they picnic'd thru life. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, January 16, 2005 at Anderson Mortuary, 49 E. 100 North, American Fork. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 17th at the Highland 7th Ward 5212 W. Country Club Drive where friends may call from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Burial is Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Avenue and N Street.