Dylan Douglas Merritt

Dylan Douglas Merritt was born on July 6, 2004, in Rexburg, Idaho. He was a bright light for many in his short time before the Lord called him home in the darkness of early morning on November 4, 2022, Burley, Idaho.

Dylan had many interests and developed several talents in his life. He enjoyed art, particularly sketching out animals or trying his hand at saddle tooling. He loved to gift his artwork and they are treasured masterpieces in his absence.

Growing up, Dylan spent a lot of time with his grandma Tammy and attended many rodeo queen contests. He learned how to be a gentleman and how to swing dance. He loved to teach people and show off his moves, especially when he realized how much it helped him get some extra feminine attention.

He learned at a very young age how to rope and ride and worked with his dad at cow camp in Arco when he was just 9 years old. He enjoyed learning new loops and had some pretty handy tricks. He beamed brightest when he could learn a loop better than his dad or when he could finish at a roping just a little higher in the standings.  One of his biggest goals was to win Top Hand and he was often only short a few points from taking the prize. Besides ranch roping, Dylan also enjoyed team roping. He could handle his own on either end but truly enjoyed being on the heel side the best. He started minibull riding in elementary and to his dad’s dismay and his mom’s delight, continued to pursue ranch broncs and saddle bronc riding through high school. He made many memories with his family and friends running down the rodeo trail. Every summer, he looked forward to a week in Wells, NV at the rodeo Bible camp where he was able to grow his talents and his relationship with God. He enjoyed chasing brandings in the spring with his family and helping on his grandma and grandpa Anderson’s farm when he could.

While Dylan was a Cowboy by natural design, his true passion was being in the mountains, fishing or hunting. He looked forward to October 10th almost more than December 25th. He was able to harvest a deer alongside his dad and grandpa Mark for his final season. He enjoyed archery hunting as well, particularly for elk, and bird hunting with a good dog and good friends. He was always on the lookout for antlers, and proudly displayed his collection of sheds whenever the chance arose.

Dylan enjoyed FFA and excelled in showing beef at the county fair and welding. He was the first student at Rockland High School to graduate with his 4 year welding technician certificate. He was passionate about basketball and was a key part of helping the Bulldogs earn their first Boys 1A-D2 state championship title in 2022.

Dylan attended Rigby schools through the 7th grade before moving to Rockland where he graduated in May. He went right to work for the Matthews family in Oakley, ID as a cowboy working in the feedlot and building miles of fence. He loved to play with his baby sister and looked forward to teaching her his rope tricks and imagining the adventures they had in store. He met his love,  Timotea Haney,  through high school rodeo friends and looked forward to any opportunity to be with her when the work was through.

We remember Dylan for his infectious smile and laughter, his sass, the way he encouraged everyone to succeed, and his ability to make everyone feel loved.

Dylan is survived by his girlfriend Timotea Haney (Gooding) parents Nick and Carolyn Merritt (Rockland),  sisters Macklyn Merritt, Kaitlyn (Colton) Beasley, Montpelier, McKinlay (Devon) Quilici, Mudlake, and brother Colton (Molly) Smith, Terreton; grandparents Tammy Golder (Basalt), Mark Merritt (Shelley) Monty & Bonnie Anderson (Rockland), great grandma Tena Bates (Basalt),  and numerous are invited to participate in a casket branding following formal services on Saturday in Rockland, so please bring an iron, fire or electric. Following the branding, wagon teams will take Dylan aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family on a final ride with those in attendance. Riders and horses are welcome or attendees may follow in personal vehicles. All are invited back to the gymnasium for a luncheon where all are invited to share memories.

There will be a visitation from 5-7 p.m. Friday November 11, 2022, at Davis-Rose Mortuary, 170 Idaho Street, American Falls, Idaho.  There will be second visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Rockland School gymnasium, 321 East Ctr, Rockland, ID 83271. The funeral will start at 11:00 a.m.   To order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.