Merlin J. Mecham Ph.D

Merlin J. Mecham of Bountiful, Utah, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family on January 10, 2016, at age 92.  Merlin was born on January 31, 1923, in Neola, Utah, to James Duke and Zina Ellen Duncan Mecham. He grew up in Neola and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1941.  He attended Brigham Young University until he was drafted into the U.S Army in January, 1943.  He served in the U.S.A., Canada, and the Philippines.  He was honorably discharged in February of 1946.  He returned to BYU and graduated with a B.A. Degree in 1948.  While attending BYU, he met and married Neva Gamble in the Logan Temple on September 22, 1947.   He moved to Logan to attend Utah State University and graduated with his Masters Degree in Speech Pathology in 1949.  He was asked to stay as Acting Director of Speech and Hearing for one year and during this time his son Robert “Robbie” was born.  In 1951 he received a scholarship to Ohio State University, where he studied Speech Pathology and Audiology.  While at OSU, he specialized in Language Disorders.  During this time his daughter, Annette was born. He received his Ph.D in 1954 and returned to BYU to teach.  in 1962 he transferred to the University of Utah as Director of the Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology.   In June of 1977 he was appointed as a member of the Utah Council of Teacher Education until he retired on January 1, 1984. He wrote over 60 professional articles, six textbooks, and seven language tests used in over 25 countries.  The Merlin J. Mecham award named in his honor was given annually to the outstanding student in Speech Pathology and Audiology. 

He is survived by his daughter, Annette Mecham Mead (Rick), North Salt Lake, Utah, and two grandchildren Natalie Haacke Humphries (Jeramie), Neal "Sebastian” Haacke, and three great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Neva Gamble Mecham, his son, Robert “Robbie” Mecham, his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.  Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his love of the gospel.   Services will be held Friday, January 15, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Bountiful 45th Ward Chapel, 115 East Wicker Lane, Bountiful, Utah, with visitation at 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services.  Interment will be at Lakeview Memorial Estates, 1640 Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah.  The family would like to thank Heritage Place and Community Nursing Services for their care.