Merlin Frank Jessen, a veteran long-haul truck driver from Altonah, Utah, passed away on October 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. Jessen, 78, was a longtime driver who traveled more than 7,350,000 miles during a 57-year career on the road.
A Life on the Road
According to an obituary from Hullinger Mortuary, Jessen was known to many by the nickname "Tomahawk." His life was defined by his time behind the wheel, having spent 57 years traveling through every state as a professional driver. While he maintained a ranch and a love for his horses and cows, his primary passion was his life on the road.
Jessen was recognized by those who knew him for a generous and kind heart. He was noted for his sincere interest in the people he met during his travels, often seeking out common ground to turn brief conversations into lasting friendships. As reported by Basin Now, he was described as someone who never met a stranger.
Family and Faith
The personal life of Jessen was centered on his marriage to Phyllis Reay Jessen, known as "Lady T." The couple was sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 24, 1966, beginning a marriage that lasted more than 60 years.
Hullinger Mortuary noted that for Jessen, Phyllis was his home, providing a sense of stability regardless of how many miles he traveled. In a symbolic coincidence, Jessen passed away on the same day his father passed away 51 years earlier.
A Lasting Legacy
Jessen leaves behind a large family, including his wife, Phyllis Reay Jessen, of Altonah, Utah. His children include Deana Lindsay of Altonah, Utah; Dixie William of Spring Creek, Nevada; Jennifer Miles of Mountain Home, Utah; Merlin Frank Jessen Jr. of Altonah, Utah; Kevin Jessen of Altonah, Utah; Misty Taylor of Mountain Home, Utah; and Austin Jessen of Roosevelt, Utah.
His legacy includes 32 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Glen Jessen, and his wife, Vickie, of Mountain Home, Utah.
Preceded in Death
Jessen was preceded in death by his parents, Asa William "Dick" Jessen and Afton Barrett Jessen. His siblings who passed away include brothers William George "Bill" Jessen and Johnny Dean Jessen, and sister Kathy Jean Bird.
Service Information
Funeral services for Jessen will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Lake Fork Chapel in Mountain Home.
Scheduled viewings will take place at the church on Monday evening, October 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. The burial will occur at the Mountain Home/Boneta Cemetery.
Final Tributes
The obituary, released by Hullinger Mortuary, highlighted Jessen's commitment to his profession and his ability to make others feel welcomed and valued through his interactions on the road.
