Merl was born October 20, 1927, in Syracuse, Utah, to Thomas James Thurgood and Gerda Modine Thurgood. He was delivered by aunt, Kate Stoker, midwife. He has lived in Syracuse his entire life. The home he was raised in is still standing and still being lived in. That home was built in 1902.

March, 1980, Merl married Marilyn Wiggle, in those ensuing years she has performed her duties very satisfactory , as mother and grandmother to our families.

Early adult life – Merl served as a 4H youth leader. At the age of 17 he enlisted in Maritime service, one year as a Merchant Marine. While in the Merchant Marines he spent many hours delivering military supplies to the troops. He also spent eight years in the Navy Reserves.

In 1962, he bought a hearing aid business and served as the President of the Hearing Aid Society for 12 years. He retired from full-time service in the hearing aid business in 1975, and continues to be involved in the business part-time. In 1972, he joined the Davis County Sherrif’s mounted posse, and is still actively involved today.

In 1974, he joined the Syracuse Lions Club and served as President of the club for two terms. In 1996, he was appointed by the Governor to the Utah State Agricultural and Food Board and served in that position for 16 years. In 2010, he joined the Utah State Days of 47 Board and served in that position for six years. In 2012, Merl joined the Davis County Fair Board and served in that position for three years. He joined the Utah State Western Riding Club Association in 1974, and is still actively involved today. In 1997, my son Craig and I reestablished the Utah Horse Council, making the way for the Utah Horse Expo, he resigned as Chairman of the Board in 2007, but is still active as a Board member.

Merl’s children are: Dennis Merl Thurgood (Deceased), Craig Cook Thurgood, Betty Gail Palmer, Stanley Thurgood, Pam Aarve, Jackie O’shea and Brady Elwood.

In as much as Merl is the last remaining child of Thomas James Thurgood, all of the brothers and sisters of the Thomas Thurgood family, come join with us and share your Thurgood family history with us. No gifts please. Share your cards and comments. The Open House is to be held on October 15, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Syraucuse Community Center, 1912 W. 1900 S., Syracuse, Utah.

Please Come!