Merrill Jensen Bailey

“Here is the preacher that the Teacher sometimes used”

 Merrill Jensen Bailey passed away May 19, 2016 surrounded by his family who deeply loved and cherished the time spent with him.  Merrill was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 20, 1943 to William Lee and Gayle Jensen Bailey.   He was the 4th of the 5 Bailey children (Berta Jean, William (Bill), Gayle Ann and Linda) to be raised in Nephi, Utah. He graduated from Mesa High School before serving a mission in Oslo, Norway.  After returning he married and was sealed to Shari Elkins the love of his life on May 26, 1967 in the Salt Lake temple.  They were later blessed with 4 children who became the center of their lives.

He graduated from beauty school in order to put himself through college and developed long lasting relationships with all his clients whom he considered as his family.  He received multiple degrees from BYU and lovingly served as a CES educator and family psychologist for over 30 years.  Education and learning were a lifelong love of Merrill’s, but his greatest love was for his children, grandchildren, students and all those around him in need of support or unconditional love.  He held a special place in his heart for all his students at (Olympus High), (Woods Cross), (West High), (Bountiful High), (Central Davis Jr), (LSU) and (Weber State).  Merrill had a special unique gift to see the good in all and lived his life in service teaching and guiding those in need.  He always considered himself a simple vessel of our Heavenly Father to help those around him. 

His parents and 4 of his siblings preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife (Shari Bailey) and their 4 children (Tiffany and Bryan Dickson) (Brett and Kim Bailey) (Tara and Jason Eddington) (Braydon and Angie Bailey) and his 16 grandchildren.

Friends may visit with family on Tuesday, May 24th from 6 to 8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary located in Farmington, Utah at 1941 N. Main St. 

Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, May 25th at 12 pm at the Bountiful LDS chapel located at 2285 South 200 West.  Friends and family are welcome to call at 10:30 am before the services begin. Burial will be at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah following the funeral services.