Ronald Robert Merrill

Ronald Robert Merrill, age 74, of Avon, Indiana, peacefully entered into the loving presence of the heavenly Father on January 16, 2023. 

Born on August 15, 1948 in Warsaw, Indiana, Ron was the son of the late Robert Harry Merrill and Mary Pauletta (Gough) Merrill.  In 1966, Ron graduated from Northside High School in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Soon after graduation, Ron was called to serve his country in the United States Army; whereupon, he served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.  

Upon returning to the U.S., Ron met his wife, Betty Lynn, in Columbus, Georgia and married in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on May 10, 1975.  The family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where Ron and Lynn raised their four children.  Ron worked at Graybar Electric for 41 years before retiring in 2017.  

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Ron is remembered as a man with a deep and abounding love for his family. Enjoying every opportunity for the family to be together, he was the first to offer an invitation for loved ones to gather and was always the very last to leave.  He considered his role as a husband and father as his greatest responsibility in life.  Ron taught his children how to love by loving his wife and others unconditionally and sacrificially. Each day, his actions and words reflected God’s love.  Later in life, Ron was an ever present figure in the lives of his grandkids. Whether he was playing in a pile of leaves, baiting and taking fish off hooks, or joining in a game of cards, his good humor and euphemisms always elicited a round of smiles, giggles, and laughter.  Always their number one fan, rarely could an activity or event be found that Ron was not in the stands  supporting his grandchildren.

Slow to anger and quick to smile, Ron is remembered by others for his calm demeanor and warm presence.  Compassionate and kind, he gave without expectation, and his concern for the well-being of others was genuine and heartfelt. A selfless man, Ron continually put the needs and concerns of others before himself, even upon his final days. 

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lynn Merrill; three daughters, Roxanne (Darrel) Wilson of Indianapolis, IN,  Katrina (Ryan) Eagle of Avon, IN,  Rachel (Andrew) Aspaas of Danville, IN, and son, James (Stacey) Merrill of Brownsburg, IN.  Ron and Lynn were blessed with nine dearly loved grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ron is also survived by a brother, Brad Merrill; sisters, Janielle (Bruce) Coghill, and Janice (Larry) Lopshire.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pauletta Merrill and sister-in-law, Virginia Merrill. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.  Visitation is from 10am -11am with a memorial service immediately to follow at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, Riley Hospital for Children, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.