Aug. 25, 1938 – Feb. 3, 2022
Ronald Perkins Guymon, 83, was reunited with his sweet wife on Feb. 3, 2022. Ron was born on August 25, 1938, in Blanding, Utah, to David and Freeda Guymon. He grew up in Blanding, which is where he met his sweetheart, Merrillyn Stevens. They were sealed in the Manti temple on Feb. 11, 1961 and had seven children.
Ron served a mission in Billings, Montana, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning home, he decided to follow his sweetheart to Provo, Utah, where they attended Brigham Young University together. Ron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and recreation and was the valedictorian of his graduating class. He later went on to receive his master’s degree in education.
After graduating from BYU, Ron decided his true calling was to be a seminary teacher. He and Merrillyn settled in St. George, where he taught and served as seminary principal for 12 years at Dixie High School. He loved teaching and running into his former students. Ron also served as the assistant basketball coach to Don Lay for Dixie High School for seven years. One of the highlights of his life was when Dixie High took state in 1970. He cherished his state championship ring and always showed it off. Ron had a deep love for Dixie High School and went to as many games as he could throughout the rest of his life.
Ron and Merrillyn served a senior couple’s mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were called to serve in the Texas, San Antonio Mission. They cherished their time there and the people they served.
Ron was a valiant missionary throughout his life, and is known for saying that with all of the many things he’s been blessed with, “How could I not believe and be faithful?” He lived his life to teach others about Christ. He was unapologetic and unafraid in how he shared his testimony and invited others to learn of Christ and His gospel. He loved striking up conversations with strangers, and to know him was to be loved by him. He truly loved people and serving people, and many benefited from his Christlike acts of service.
Ron served in many church callings, but he greatly cherished serving as Bishop of the 9th ward in St. George and Bishop of a Young Single Adults ward in the Morningside Stake. He walked in faith and never doubted or wavered in that faith. He truly was one of the noble and great ones, and he will be so missed. But we know he is filled with joy and peace at finally being reunited with his eternal companion, Merrillyn.
Ron is survived by his children, Michelle Guymon (Patti Griffin), Ronda Welker (Michael), DeAnne Jones (Shawn), LaDawn O’Connell (Glenn), CaraLee “KK” White (Bryan), David Guymon (Kim) and Denise Hoogland (CJ); 25 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022 (their 61st wedding anniversary), at 10 a.m. at the Stake Center at 881 South River Road, St. George, Utah. Friends and family may attend a viewing Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary in St. George, Utah, or Friday morning from 8:30-9:30 a.m. before the service. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery located at 1777 South Dixie Drive immediately following the service.
For those wishing to attend the funeral service via Zoom, please use this link for access: https://zoom.us/j/
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Visit Metcalf Mortuary’s website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.