Merrell Watts died on April 12 at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer. Merrell was born on December 6, 1933 in Rexburg, Idaho, to Leo Watts and Florence Stoddard.

After graduating from Madison High School with honors, Merrell served in the U.S. Army. He had a top secret clearance and served a tour of duty in Germany.

Merrell's education began at the University of Idaho in Moscow. He later received three masters degrees in Political Science, History and English from UCLA in Los Angeles.
Merrell spent his entire career in California. He began his career with the federal government working on the Lyndon B. Johnson development project in San Fransico. He worked as Executive Director of Redevelopment in Ventura, National City and Oceanside on projects ranging in size from 12 acres to 140 acres. He served as City Manager in several cities - the most recent being in Winters. Because he was a dedicated public servant, he spent long hours and weekends giving 110% of his efforts to each project.

Merrell is survived by his son, Jerome Curtis Watts, and his daughter, Janette Marie Watts, both of Vacaville, CA. Merrell is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Barker of Bluffdale, UT.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in Vacaville,CA. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23rd in the Sugar City Cemetery. The family will receive friends, prior to services, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg.