Orangeville City’s Grand Marshal: Mervin Miles

Orangeville City’s Grand Marshal: Mervin Miles
Mervin was born in Orangeville on March 22, 1931 As a boy he was very busy exploring the area from the mountains to the swell all from horse back. He needed money so he would work for the local farmers in the valley putting up hay and other jobs. If he needs 15 cents to go to the show he worked hard to get that 15 cents in his pocket. He attended South Emery High School in Ferron followed by attending Utah State until he was drafted in 1952 into the Army to be sent to the Korean War. He spent 18 days on a ship with 5,000 soldiers to Japan where they were transferred to another ship to South Korea.
He was assigned to the 507 Signa Corp where he was assigned to be a cook for the Army and from what I hear he still knows how to please the taste buds.
While in Korea he witnessed a baptism in the ocean and experienced opportunities that reaffirmed the Lords hand is in all things. Due to his service to our country he was unable to serve a mission as a young man. But as a serviceman he not only served as a solider but a missionary.
In 1954, Mervin returned back to the states and worked for Cox’s Saw Mill, cutting timber on East Mountain. He met and married Sharon Gale Defreeze a coal miner’s daughter from Hiawatha. They married in the Manti temple in 1957 they have four children. Lynn, Richard, and the twins Marsha and Marie. They have been married for 61 wonderful years.
In 1957 he started working for the Price BLM, operating their heavy equipment. They were sent to Salt Lake City to work in the range department, then after few years moved back to Orangeville to finish his career back in Price. He worked for the BLM for 36 years.
Moving back to Emery County he gets to do what he loves spending time being with his wife Gale, and family. But you can’t forget about his favorite past time which is exploring the San Rafael Swell, identifying historical sites and doing family history.
Since his retirement, he and Gale have served two missions and continue to serve at the Bishops’ store house. Both Mervin and Gale love to square dance they have been all over the country dancing. Mervin is not a sitter he is always doing something, helping his neighbors, a new project, or just visiting with others. When you get the chance to meet Mervin and Gale make sure you take the time to thank him for his service for our country in Korea, our community and also congratulate Mervin on being the Grand Marshal of Orangeville Days 2018.