Phillip Harry Merchen, 72, of Soda Springs passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016 at the Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.

He was born on September 24, 1944 in Crafton, Nebraska the son of Earl Harold and Bernice E Dehl Merchen.

Phillip graduated from Soda Springs High School in1962 with High Honors.

He married Dorothy Peterson on April 30, 1966 in Soda Springs. They were later divorced.

He married Donna Scribner Burnham on June 3, 1994 in Elko, Nevada.

He owned and operated Soda Springs Western Auto, and had worked at Soda Springs Gagon True Value, Kerr McGee and Tronox.

Phillip had been on the Soda Springs City Council and a member of the Soda Springs Fire Department.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and yardwork.

He is survived by his wife Donna Merchen of Soda Springs, ID, a daughter Nichole (Kyle) Holzworth of Pahrump, NV, and 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Sharon (Lynn) Harris of Idaho Falls, ID, a step-sister Sherrie (Van) Garner of Soda Springs, ID, a sister-in-law Nancy Blair of Orem, UT. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Albert Blair, step-brother Jay Blair and a step-son Chris Burnham.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Noon at the Soda Springs Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home prior to going to the church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.