Merlyn Ray Poppleton

Merlyn Ray Poppleton, 83, passed away on October 24, 2025. Born on New Year’s Eve, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri, Merlyn’s arrival was marked by the restless movement of a family navigating the uncertainties of war. His father, Frances (Frank) Poppleton, was called to serve in the Navy, and his mother, Vida Mae, gave birth to Merlyn before the family settled in Los Angeles, California.

Raised alongside his older brother Max, Merlyn’s childhood was a lively tapestry of adventure, mischief, and hard-earned lessons. Whether it was riding buses through L.A., playing roller-skate games in the neighborhood, or surviving questionable family meals, Merlyn approached life’s challenges with humor and resilience. He often joked about being a sidekick instead of “The Lone Ranger,” but his stories revealed a boy who found camaraderie in adversity and joy in simple pleasures.

Even as a child, family was central to Merlyn’s best stories. Though his boyhood home was modest, the bonds forged through shared experience remained strong. When he later became a father, the saga of lost dogs, sugar sandwiches, and childhood injuries seasoned evenings of storytelling and guitar playing in the Poppleton family front room.

As a teenager in California, Merlyn took pride in his friendships and independence. From long walks to Griffith Park to misadventures at local theaters, he embraced the freedom of youth. Even his most embarrassing moment, dancing in a tutu at a church Christmas party, was often recounted with self-deprecating humor and affection for his brother Max, who orchestrated the scene.

Merlyn’s life was shaped by service and dedication. He worked as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, handling the unpredictable demands of law enforcement in Willowbrook, California. Merlyn’s stories from his years on the force illustrated his commitment to helping others and his ability to find levity in even the most difficult circumstances.

In his personal life, Merlyn was devoted to his wife, Judith Ann Poppleton. Together, they raised eight children: Desiree, Tauni, Heather, Adam, Rachel, Ethan, Travis, and Megan. He was also a dedicated and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Faith was the quiet constant of Merlyn’s life, carrying him and Judith together to serve a mission in the Michigan Lansing Mission, a season of service that reflected their shared devotion to God and one another.

In retirement, Merlyn found joy in music, art, games, and magic. His grandchildren knew him as “Papa Magic” and remembered him as a loving grandfather who performed magic tricks, played guitar, painted, played chess and checkers, and cherished the time he spent with family.

Merlyn will be remembered for his generous spirit, unfailing humor, and wise counsel. His favorite quotes spoke to his values: “Never listen to the opposition,” “Every day is a holiday. Every meal is a feast,” and “‘Can’t’ is not in your vocabulary.” He lived by the principle that “anger, like acid, often hurts the vessel that holds it more than the item it’s poured upon,” and encouraged those around him to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith, and his parents, Merlyn leaves behind a large and loving family who will miss his stories, his laughter, and his quiet strength. He is survived by his eight children, twenty-nine grandchildren, and forty-two great-grandchildren.

A viewing for Merlyn will be held at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E Center St, Logan, Utah 84321, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Wellsville Cemetery. All who wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.