Robert Merrill Moncur

Robert Merrill Moncur, lovingly known as Merrill to family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2025, at the age of 91.

Merrill was born on July 10, 1933, at the Bighorn Basin Hospital in Lovell, Wyoming, to Vernon Wilder Moncur and Hazel Afton Goodrich Moncur. He was the third of four children. Merrill grew up in Lovell, where he graduated from Lovell High School and enjoyed a childhood surrounded by a close-knit family and lifelong friends. Some of his fondest memories were of working hard on the family farm and spending time in San Diego with his brothers while their father served in the Navy.

After high school, Merrill—much to his mother’s dismay—falsely claimed to be of age in order to enlist in the Army alongside a close friend and his brother. He was deeply disappointed when he was later discharged and sent home due to his age. Once eligible, he reenlisted and proudly served a tour of duty in Korea during the war. Upon returning home, he continued his service in the National Guard and pursued higher education at both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.

Merrill devoted much of his professional life to the propane industry, a field shared by his father and brothers, with whom he remained closely connected throughout his career. He independently founded and operated Wyoming Propane, which served communities across the state. After selling the business, he continued in the industry through ownership in Propane Equipment and Supply Company, and later as a trusted expert with Manchester Tank. His lifetime of experience made him a valued resource to others in the field.

On May 7, 1955, Merrill married the love of his life, Mary Alice Tebbs, at the home of her parents in Cowley, Wyoming. They were later sealed, along with their children, on November 5, 1965, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, Merrill and Mary built a rich life centered on family, faith, and service.

When asked about his most prized possessions, Merrill would proudly name his five children: Cynthia Doerr (Jeff) of St. George, UT; Robert Merrill Moncur (Lauri Jo) of Salt Lake City, UT; Kim Allison Moncur of St. George, UT; Shane Tebbs Moncur (Denise) of Farmington, UT; and Drake Allen Moncur (Brandy) of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. In addition to his children, he is survived by one brother, Max Moncur (Colleen) of Libby, Montana.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Alice Tebbs Moncur; his parents, Vernon Wilder and Hazel Goodrich Moncur; and his brothers, Vernon Lyle “Whitey” Moncur and Donald Joseph “Pete” Moncur. 

Merrill is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life.

Merrill had a lifelong love for sports and the outdoors, especially elk and pheasant hunting. Later in life, he became an avid golfer and once remarked that if he could turn back time, he would have pursued a career as a professional golfer. In retirement, he rarely played a round without Mary Alice by his side—a quiet testament to their enduring companionship.

He cared deeply for those around him and took pride in everything he owned and worked on. Though he could be gruff on the outside, his quiet acts of kindness and heartfelt service always shone through.

Merrill’s life was guided by his quiet devotion as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in many callings. He died with a strong and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. His legacy is one of quiet strength, hard work, unwavering devotion to family, and a life lived with integrity and purpose.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers—both family and professional—who showed such compassion and attentiveness in recent months.

A reception and open house will be held in Merrill’s honor on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., at the Bloomington 3rd Ward, located at 3519 Manzanita Road, St. George, Utah.