Louden, Merle E.

79 of Queen Creek, AZ, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2014, after losing his battle with leukemia, with his family by his side. Merle was born in Cooperstown, North Dakota to Edna and Edgar Louden on February 24, 1935. Merle graduated from Marmot High School where he was active in sports. He was the valedictiorian of his senior class. It was there he met his wife, Ione Glum, of 62 years. He joined the Air Force shortly after they married and was honorably discharged 11 years later. In 1963 he moved his family to Arizona. He moved to Phoenix and Mesa before settling down in Queen Creek. Merle was an avid fisherman. As long as he was by the lake with a fishing pole in his hand he was happy. His favorite team was the Arizona Diamondbacks. He never missed a game. Merle is survived by his wife, Ione; their children, Debbie (Eddie) Stowers, Karen (Doug) Adair, Mitch (Linda) Louden and Jeffrey (Teri) Louden. He has 18 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Merle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Visitation will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 20145 E. Chandler Heights Road, Queen Creek, AZ on Saturday, March 22, 2014 (tomorrow) from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Funeral Services will be held at the same location from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Burial will follow at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary.