Merlin Fred Bolton, 81, of Soda Springs passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012, at the Caribou Memorial Hospital in Soda Springs, Idaho. Merlin was born on February 3, 1931 in Conda, Idaho to Clarence and Ilah Briscoe Bolton. Merlin graduated from Soda Springs High School, got a degree in pharmacy from Idaho State University, and worked in the pharmaceutical industry throughout his life. While at ISU, Merlin met and married Dixie Tingle on July 3, 1951. Merlin and Dixie lived in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Los Angeles, Simi Valley, and Provo before retiring and moving back to Soda Springs in 1996. In retirement, Merlin continued to work as a pharmacist and was at his post at Larry's Family Pharmacy in Preston, Idaho as recently as a week ago. Merlin enjoyed his work and said that he would die if he didn't work. It turns out he was right – he didn't go to work this week and he died. Let this be a lesson to all who think that it is okay to play hooky from work. Merlin also loved researching the gospel on the computer and he printed out and prepared notes for both the Sunday School and Priesthood lessons each week. He was ready to teach the lesson even if he wasn't the instructor that day. Merlin is survived by his wife Dixie, sons Doug and Kent (Lyn), daughters Jill (Steven) and Jan, eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, brother Frank (Lillian), and sister Nola Shuler (George). Merlin was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dennis and Roscoe. The family would like to thank all who have helped Merlin in recent years in getting in and out of the car, moving about in the wheelchair, helping in the middle of the night, as well as all the doctors and nurses in the wound care units in Logan, Pocatello, and Soda Springs. Funeral services will be held at the Soda Springs LDS 1st Ward Chapel (361 South 3rd Street East) on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 1:00PM. There will be a viewing Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Sims Funeral Home in Soda Springs (139 E 2nd South – this is the main highway that goes through town) from 7:00 – 8:00PM and again at the church on Thursday prior to the funeral from 11:00AM to 12:30PM. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs. listen to service: