Merton O Harward Obituary (1924

Beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather passed away Sunday, March 16, 2014 in Provo, Utah. He was 89 years old. Merton was born December 15, 1924 to Orson Harward and Iva Peterson. He was a decorated veteran of World War II in the Navy and earned various medals from storming the beach at Normandy. He continued to serve God and Country throughout his life. Upon his return he began courting the love of his life, Connie Vernice Fullmer, and with the addition of his blue coupe sports car, she couldn’t resist: They were married on July 15, 1950 and later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Merton was a brick mason for Geneva Steel for over 40 years. A devout member of the LDS Church, he worked for many years as a faithful home teacher, as an instructor in Priesthood meetings, as a Sunday School President, as a temple worker in the Provo Temple, and as a devoted neighbor who cared for the less fortunate. He served in his community as a City Baseball President for many years, overseeing the Baseball program in Payson, Utah. He was also an American Legion member. His greatest joy and legacy, however, involved being with family. He attended numberless ballgames, plays, recitals, concerts, and other activities showing support for his family. He had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends and was an avid BYU fan. Preceded in death by his wife Connie in 2008, Merton is survived by his five children: Terry (Julie) Harward, Salt Lake City, Vickie (Glade) Peterson, Toquerville, Sherrie (Kelly) Roseman, Springville, Gaylene (Les) Syme, Pleasant Grove, Kevin (Karen) Harward, West Valley City; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; brothers: Moyel, Theron, Darrel, and Verl Harward; and sisters: Joyce Johnson and Larae Davis. Preceded in death by brother, Ike Harward and sister, Nonavee Clark. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Slate Canyon Chapel, 1745 South State Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., or at the church on Friday, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.bergmortuary.com.