Merrill Alton Houston

Merrill Alton Houston

Merrill Alton Houston passed away June 30, 2020 at his home in Mesquite Nevada. Merrill was born to Alton John and Noma Reber Houston on August 17, 1952 in St. George Utah.

Merrill had an adventurous spirit which accounts for the time he and his good friend, Donny Barrett, rode on a flatbed diesel truck to Salt Lake City, Utah when they were in Junior High. The night watchmen saw them disembark (run like Hell) and called the police who called their parents to come pick them up. Merrill said the ride up was a lot more fun than the ride back with the parents. Merrill loved riding out in the desert wandering around looking for artifacts and beautiful rocks.

He worked several jobs which included, working at the Polar Freeze in Mesquite, NV; working in the mines in McGill and Tonopah Nevada; Kellwood Company; Dixie Printing in St. George;  owned his own pizza place; worked dealing cards at the Peppermill in Mesquite; and finally finding his niche, he was a Sous Chef at the Gold Coast Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada where he worked for 20 years.

He was in a car accident in the early 80’s which resulted in a severe head injury and seizures which were coming more frequently.

Later in life, he moved in with his Mom to help take care of her after the loss of his Dad. You would often find him scrolling through the internet to find recipes to create delicious meals and share with anyone that dropped by. He loved tamales from the Mexican Store, Tabasco on everything and owned every spice from every store. He loved feeding everyone and everything the cats, pigeons and hummingbirds will miss him dearly.

He was blessed with and survived by his three daughters Ronda Houston-Torbic, Redlands, California, Sidnee Houston Angell and Sunee Houston, Mesquite Nevada. Grandson Gunnar, 3 granddaughters Raven, Rylee and Samantha, and a great grandson Milo. His mother Noma Houston of Mesquite, NV. His siblings, Emmalyn Hardy, Syracuse, KS; Janece Gardner, Pine Valley, UT; Deral (Julie) Houston, Scenic, AZ; and Dorene Copley, Overton, NV; and lots of nieces and nephews who were able to get to know him better when he was living with Grandma/Grandma Great.

He was preceded in death by his Dad, Alton; brothers-in-law, Lynn Gardner; and Kevin Calkins.

Due to the Covid 19 outbreak the family is planning a graveside service at a later date. Merrill will be buried in the Mesquite City Cemetery next to his family.