Keith Leon Merrick

Malad…..Keith Leon Merrick, 82, of Malad and former Pocatello resident, passed away on March 30, 2009 at his home. He was born May 22, 1926, in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, a son of Harry Homer and Sylvia Jenkins Jones Merrick. He attended school in Malad and was a graduate of Malad High School, class of 1944. Keith joined the Army during WWII, was a member of the 42nd Rainbow Division, and was stationed in Europe. He, with his division, was involved in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. While serving in Europe, Keith met and married Maria Dora Zajaczkowska on September 15, 1946 in Salzburg, Austria. Keith served another tour of duty and then returned to Malad, where he reunited with his wife and daughter.
In 1949 they moved to Pocatello, and Keith worked for P.F.E. (Pacific Fruit Express) for 37 years. In 2004 He and Dora returned to Malad where they have since resided. Keith loved doing family history as well as history of the Malad area and enjoyed all kinds of handyman hobbies. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had served in various callings. he had especially enjoyed his calling as a visitor to the Idaho Veterans Home in Pocatello. Keith is survived by his wife Dora of Malad; a son; Leo (Nancy) Merrick of Blackfoot; daughters; Shari (Servia) and Darrell Henderson of Pocatello and Kathy and Bob Pleskin of Roy, Utah. 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Lewis Lynn and two brothers. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2009, at 12 noon in the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N. in Malad. Friends may visit with the Merrick family on Friday at the funeral home prior to services from 10:30-11:45. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery.