Merritt Barnes

Merritt Carl Barnes, age 57, died March 12, 2013 at his sons home in Vernal, Utah. He was born March 18, 1955 in Long Beach, California and lived his first 13 years in Garden Grove, California. His family moved to Vernal in 1968 and he graduated from Uintah High School in 1973. He married Paulette Hiott in 1979 and later divorced. He married Mona Oaks June 25, 1988. Together they had 2 children; Tiffiny Marie (Tyler) Hofmann and Benjamin Ronald (Melissa) Barnes. Merritt and Mona also raised her children; Ryan Oaks, Paul Oaks, and Devan (Aryn) Oaks. Merritts hobby was his work. He was dedicated and always showed up 30 minutes early. He worked as a mechanic, Machinist, and electrician and excelled at each. He never quit learning his trade. He enjoyed his friends that he worked with and while he was usually barking at them, they knew they had a friend who would help them whenever there was a need. For most of his life he worked with his dad raising cows. There were many colorful words uttered while he was branding, feeding and herding on Diamond Mountain. He loved his family and they were surrounding him at his death. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His parents were Clyde Ronald Barnes and Lela Lamarr Slaugh. His grandparents were William Ben Taylor and Marie Goode Barnes, and Albert and Minnie Slaugh. He is survived by his children, wife Mona, uncle; Ronald Slaugh, and brother; Bud (Mitzi) Barnes. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, grandparents, sisters; Pamela Jean Walters and Roni Marie Barnes, and niece, Kimberly Barnes. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Friends and family may call Friday evening from6-8 at the mortuary and 1 hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the care and direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.