Merrill “Bob” Shupe

Merrill “Bob” Shupe, passed away at home on Monday, July 9, 2018 to be reunited with his eternal companion, Donna. As a beloved “Dad”, “Opa”, “Great-Grandpa”, uncle, friend, and mentor; Bob will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

Bob was born March 1, 1926 to Parley and Luella Chadwick Shupe in North Ogden, Utah. Raised on a farm, he learned to work hard at a young age. Bob attended Weber High School, and after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II.

At the close of the war, Bob served an LDS mission in Amsterdam, Holland. Upon his return to Utah, he studied at Weber State and married his sweetheart Donna Bond in the Manti, Utah Temple. Bob completed his veterinary training at Washington State University and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His talents to treat small and large animals alike were well-known. Clients and friends fondly referred to him as “Doc.”

After many years in private veterinary practice, Bob accepted a faculty position in Animal Science at Brigham Young University. He was an inspiring teacher and instilled a love for learning upon each of his students.

In his younger years, Bob was an excellent athlete. He played many sports, including football for Weber State College. As a lifelong sports enthusiast, it did not matter if Bob was watching BYU or his young grandkids play; he was always excited to watch a good game. Bob was also passionate about coaching sports, especially basketball. He coached the Centerville Utah Ward to three All-Church tournaments, winning two championship titles.

Bob loved to spend time with family, especially at the Stanley, Idaho cabin. One of his favorite pastimes was documenting these memories and experiences in volumes of personal history. Bob and Donna also enjoyed growing an endless summer garden every year. He leaves a lasting legacy of hard work, selfless service, and love for his family and faith. Those who come after him will know him by his example.

As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bob fulfilled many callings throughout his life. He served as bishop, high councilman, seminary teacher, and was awarded the Silver Beaver in Scouting for distinguished service with the youth. After retiring, Bob and Donna served a mission in Ghent, Belgium, and went on to serve together in the Bountiful, Utah Temple for ten years.

Bob is survived by his six children, Stephen (Sherry), Sherrie Peterson (Jim), Paul (Janie), Grant (Heidi), Cindy Baker (Gary), and Chad (Marci). He is also survived by 28 grandchildren, and 41 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Donna, parents and 13 brothers and sisters, Russell, Cyril, Le Grande, Owen, Verle, Lewis (Kay), Gerald (Monty), and sisters Beatrice, Margaret, Maxine, Arlene and Janice, grandson Carson Shupe, and daughter-in-law Peggie Shupe.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the West Bountiful 8th Ward, 311 North 800 West, West Bountiful, Utah. Family and friends may gather on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the West Bountiful 8th Ward prior to services. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery.