Merlon Ray Tolman, 76, of Richland, WA, returned to his Heavenly Father on July 2, 2014. He was born to parents Marvin Ray and Helen Christensen Tolman on October 23, 1937 in Pocatello, ID. At the age of 20, he served an LDS mission among the Navajo Tribes of Arizona and New Mexico. On August 24, 1961 he married his sweetheart, Jacqualine Marie Wood, for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. In 1964, Merlon moved his young family to Hamilton, MT, and spent the subsequent 35 years working with his father in a family business in the meat packing industry. Upon retirement, he and Jackie moved to Richland, WA, where they have resided for 9 years. Merlon was wise beyond his years, and he also knew how to have fun. He loved camping, fishing, canoeing, playing music, hiking, Dutch oven cooking and could outrun, outski, outgolf, outhike and outwit all of his children most of the time! Merlon loved serving others. This was evidenced by years of church service as a Seminary teacher, Bishop, High Councilman and member of the Stake Presidency. He also served faithfully as an ordinance worker and office secretary in the Columbia River Temple. He was always very involved in scouting and received the Silver Beaver Award, one of the most distinguished scouting leadership awards. He is survived by Jackie, his wife of 53 years; 8 children, Helen (Lot) Smith, Roselyn (Rob) Rambert, Jennifer Tolman, Suzette (Gene) Kennedy, Ferris (Silver) Tolman, Diana (Martin) Gwynn, Troy (Sarah) Tolman and Kathryn (Richard Foote) Tolman; 28 grandchildren, Cory, Stephanie, Derik, Charlotte, Heather, Nicole, Heidi, Hannah, Monica, Logan, Leah, Michael, Makenzie, Zakary, Londyn, Lacey, Chris, Nick, Tyler, Matthew, Cleo, Cera, Wyatt, Emmett, Evelyn, William, Natalie, Elsa; and 10 great grandchildren Oakley, Powell, Ellie, Thomas, Daniel, Lincoln, Henry, Dane, Maximus, Christopher; siblings Fay (Darrell) Burroughs, Lola Beagley, John (Ann) Neil, Steven (Linda) Neil, Boyd (Mimi) Tolman. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, daughter, Marilyn and grandson, Benjamin. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 724 N. Pittsburgh St., Kennewick, WA. Viewing will be held at the church prior to service from 11:30-12:45. For online condolences please visit www.AskHillcrest.com