Merlin R. Lybbert

Merlin Rex Lybbert (31 January 1926 – 6 July 2001) was a Canadian church leader and lawyer who served as a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1989 to 1994. From 1992 to 1994, Lybbert was the thirteenth general president of the LDS Church's Sunday School.

Lybbert was born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada to Charles Lester and Delvia Reed Lybbert. His parents homesteaded in Cherry Grove, Alberta where their nearest neighbor was three miles away.

In 1943, Lybbert met his future wife, Nola, at a party. During this time, he was serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After completing his military service, Lybbert served as a missionary in the LDS Church's Eastern States Mission. Following his mission, he married Nola in the Cardston Alberta Temple in 1949.

After marrying, the couple moved to Salt Lake City, where Lybbert attended the University of Utah. He received a bachelor's degree in law in 1953, and a Juris Doctor in 1955.

LDS Church service While in the Eastern States Mission as a young man, Lybbert served as a mission secretary for 16 months before being called as a counsellor in the mission presidency. He later held various leadership roles in the LDS Church, including high councilor, bishop, stake president and regional representative. During their visit, they made diplomatic visits to government and educational officials.

Lybbert served as president of the Cardston Alberta Temple from 1994 to 1997. including a daughter, Ruth, who married Dale G. Renlund, who later became a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Death Lybbert died in Salt Lake City, Utah on 6 July 2001, following a brief illness.