Dawn Merrill Gatherum

Dawn Merrill Gatherum passed away on December 15, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Dawn was born on April 28, 1945, in Panguitch, Utah, the second of five children born to James Maurice and Ruth Witzel Gatherum. He spent much of his childhood in Escalante and Richfield, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for the outdoors—both shaping his life. As a teenager, the family moved to Salt Lake City, where Dawn graduated from Hillcrest High School.

While attending Utah State University, Dawn met his sweetheart, Eloise Anne Evans. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 14, 1967, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 58 years. Together, they raised eight children—four daughters and four sons—and also welcomed a foster daughter into their family. Dawn cherished time with Eloise, their children, and grandchildren. His happiest moments were spent with family; fishing on his boat, hiking, hunting, or working in his garden. He was immensely proud of his children and instilled in them a strong work ethic—learned through mowing lawns, time in the garden, and a steadfast emphasis on the importance of education.

Dawn was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith was reflected in a lifetime of service. As a young man, he served a mission in the Brazilian Mission from July 1964 to September 1966. Throughout his life, Dawn accepted a wide range of callings, serving wherever he was needed, from leadership positions to Primary. Dawn also dedicated many years to the Scouting program, mentoring countless young men on their path to becoming Eagle Scouts. In recognition of his extraordinary service to youth, he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award, a testament to his unwavering commitment and lasting impact.

Even in retirement, Dawn’s desire to serve never slowed. He and Eloise served an eighteen-month humanitarian mission in Vietnam, followed by a service mission at Camp Zarahemla North Fork for five and a half years. They also served together in the Ogden Temple two days a week for four years—an experience that brought them great joy.

Dawn was dedicated to education his entire life. Following his mission to Brazil, Dawn pursued his education at Utah State University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He earned a master’s degree in 1973 before attending officer training school at Fort Lee, Virginia. Dawn was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces in 1978. In 1994, he returned once more to Utah State University and completed a Ph.D. in Horticultural Science—finishing his coursework in just one year and officially becoming “Dr. Dawn” in 1995.

Dawn devoted 42 years of his professional life to Weber State University, where he was an award-winning professor deeply beloved by students and colleagues alike. He began his career as a technician in the Botany Department, became part of the professional staff, and ultimately retired in 2013 as a Professor of Botany. Dawn was passionate about experiential learning and delighted in taking students on field trips throughout Utah, the Oregon Coast, and Mexico with Dr. Gene Bozniak. Dawn also served for 12 years as the director of the Ritchie Science and Engineering Fair of Utah. He found great purpose in encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in the next generation of scientists.

Dawn is survived by his loving wife Eloise Anne Gatherum, his children, Lori Anne Daniels (Thomas), Kevin Gatherum (Lynette), Joshua Gatherum (Erin), Annita Peterson (Tony), Andrew Gatherum (Courtney), Megann Bench (Carl), Channdra Dabling (Tim), and foster daughter Pamela Foster; 23 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. His siblings, Owen Gatherum, Joyce Quinn (Fenton), and Antone Gatherum. He was preceded in death by his son Corey James Gatherum, his brother Scottie, and his parents, James and Ruth Gatherum.

Dawn’s legacy is one of quiet dedication, steady faith, and genuine love for others. He lived his life as a teacher in every sense—guiding, encouraging growth, and leading by example. Whether in the classroom, in the gospel, the garden, on the fishing boat, or within his family, Dawn believed in hard work, lifelong learning, and service without recognition. His influence is seen in the lives of his students, the youth he mentored, and most profoundly in his family, who carry forward his values of integrity, humility, and kindness. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught and the love he shared will continue to shape generations.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Roy 10th ward, 5900 S. 3100 W. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Plain City Cemetery.