Merlon Lorenzo Alcorn Obituary

Merlon Lorenzo Alcorn passed away peacefully on Oct 21, 2026 surrounded by loving family members. He was born at home in Harlem, MT November 11, 1930. Merlon was the oldest child born to Joseph Lorenzo Alcorn and Erma May Hulse. He was later joined by 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Merlon worked on the family farm with his father and brothers from a young age and it was there he learned the strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. He tragically lost his father Lorenzo when he was 13. His Mom later remarried and he gained a loving father Carl Winter and another little brother. 

Merlon met the love of his life Lois Mable Billmayer when he was a sophomore at Harlem High School. He joined the US Navy while still in high school and left for training during his senior year. Merlon and Lois were married on October 8th 1948 in Berkeley, CA right before Merlon was stationed in Guam. His first-born son Joseph was born while he was overseas. Merlon returned home to Montana after he was discharged and continued farming. He eventually had his own farm in Harlem where he lived with Lois and welcomed 2 more boys and 4 girls to the family. Merlon was sealed to his beloved wife Lois and children in the Logan, UT temple on July 5, 1957. 

Farming was challenging and Lois talked Merlon into applying for the US Border Patrol in the late 1960s. He hung up his farming dream for a season and served in the Border Patrol and Immigration Services for over 25 years. He moved his family to Spring Valley, CA and Custer, WA for his “real” job and continued to dabble in farming. Elsie the cow in Spring Valley was a special addition to the family. The neighbors didn’t always appreciate her antics. In Custer, Merlon had a 22-acre farm that allowed his hobby farming to expand to more than a pet cow. Farming was always in his blood and in his 80s he was never happier than when he was harvesting alfalfa and grapes on his farm in Zillah Washington. 

Merlon served faithfully in many calling in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a branch president in MT, Bishop in CA and WA and faithfully ministered to those in need. He taught early morning seminary to the youth and served faithfully in every capacity he was asked. He was a dedicated Boy Scouts of America (BSA) volunteer. Serving as Scoutmaster was one of his favorite opportunities. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of volunteer service to the BSA. Merlon and Lois served an LDS mission to Dominican Republic facilitating the Spanish literacy program from 2000-2002. He loved serving the people in the DR and being on the Lord’s errand with his dear wife Lois. Merlon was a lover of his fellowman and helped everyone in need who crossed his path. He truly emulated the Savior in loving everyone the Lord sent his way. 

Merlon moved to Kennewick, WA in 2005 with his wife Lois and quickly formed new friendships and continued to serve his family and friends. He loved to make apple cider with his family and share with his family and friends. Merlon served in the Seattle and Columbia River temples alongside his wife Lois for over 10 years. 

Merlon Lorenzo Alcorn is survived by his children: Joseph Lorenzo Alcorn, Perry B (Wilma) Alcorn, Marlyn Lois (Jack) Dillon, Wanda Rae (Codi) White, Roy Clifford (Heidi) Alcorn, Peggy Alcorn Elliott and Patty Alcorn (Mark) Kubeja: 39 grandchildren, 111 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and 2 on the way, siblings: Gwendolyn (Carl) Hungate, Orba May Emch and Fred (Linda) Winter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo Alcorn and Erma Hulse Alcorn Winter and step-father Carl F. Winter; brothers: Robert, Wendall and Nolan. Daughter in law: Pam Sramek Alcorn and Son in Law Bartlett Elliott. Grandchildren: Lynette Alcorn, Carrie Alcorn, Daniel Melville, Jeanette Dillon, Lynette Dillon and Great grandchildren: Juliette Mathis, Taela Calder, Aiyana Calder and Malcolm Calder. 

Funeral Service - Washington

Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026 at 11:00 am 4445 Olympia St Kennewick, Washington.

Viewing will be at 10:00 am

https://m.youtube.com/@PH-Ward/live

Funeral Service - Montana

Wilderness Funeral Home will also be held in Chinook, MT

Friday 28 October 2026 at 2 pm.

Viewing will be at 1:30 pm preceding the funeral.

The funeral will be streamed via a link on the Wilderness Funeral Home Merlon Lorenzo Alcorn obituary.

His burial will be at the Harlem, MT Cemetery with military honors following the funeral service.

https://www.wildernessfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Merlon-Alcorn#obituary