Merl Withers

Merl P. Withers, 89, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away November 7, 2026, at his home in Hibbard, Idaho, just outside of Rexburg.

Merl was born in Rexburg, Idaho in 1937 to Jewel Victor Withers and Belva Park. He was a lifelong resident of Hibbard and attended Hibbard Elementary for eight years and Madison High School for four years. Following high school graduation, Merl faithfully served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission. Upon his return, he married Shirlene Jones on June 2, 1960, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Merl and Shirlene celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this past summer. Merl also served honorably in the Idaho National Guard.

Merl was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a valiant disciple of Christ. He was service oriented and was always willing to help a friend or family member in need. Merl served as a ward clerk for many years. He served in leadership positions in young adult wards at Ricks College. He and Shirlene served in the baptistry of the Rexburg Temple for over 10 years. They loved serving in the temple and looked forward to being there each week. Merl also taught Sunday School and was a faithful home teacher throughout his life.

Merl gained many skills through the years. He excelled in bricklaying and helped many friends build fireplaces in their homes. He also had outstanding construction skills. He and Shirlene built their own home, rebuilding much of it the second time, following the flood. Merl also spent many hours helping build homes for friends and neighbors after spending the day at his regular job. Merl was employed by Ricks College in the Grounds Department for over 32 years, retiring in 1999.

Merl also had a passion for photography and enjoyed capturing life's special moments through the lens of his camera. From photographing local school dances to capturing the beauty of landscapes, he found joy in preserving memories.

Merl was well known for his talent in woodworking. He created many intarsia projects, where pieces of wood are shaped and put together to form incredible works of art. He loved working in his shop. He sold a few of his pieces, but most were given to friends and family. He made many tables, bookcases and shelves and built decks on the family home as well as the homes of his children. He loved it when people came to visit and would share his book showing all his projects. He often gave visitors a vase he had made as a remembrance of their visit.

Merl is survived by his children Lesa F. Withers, Darren M. Withers, Paula K. Kugler, Ryan “J” Withers (Jamie Golightly) as well as eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirlene Withers.

A viewing will be held Thursday, Nov 12 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at Flamm Funeral Home (61 N 1st E, Rexburg, ID) and Friday, Nov 13 from 10:00-10:45 am at the Hibbard LDS Church (2001 N 3000 W, Rexburg, ID). The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, November 13 at the Hibbard LDS Church. The funeral will be live streamed through Flamm Funeral Home. The link will be added to the obituary the day of the funeral.

The Withers family would like to thank members of the Hibbard 5th Ward, The Homestead Hospice Team, doctors, nurses, friends and family who have been so kind, helpful and giving of their time to Merl over the past few weeks.