Merl Junior Wilson, 87, of North Manchester, passed away on June 29, 2024 at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. He was born in Claypool, Indiana, on December 16, 1936 to Merl Monroe and Alvina Ruth (Cotton) Wilson.
Merl was a graduate of Laketon High School in 1956. He married Karen Sue Krichbaum on April 7, 1962. Merl was in the United States Army for over two years, serving most of his time in Germany. After returning home from the Army, he was employed for five years at Peabody Seating Company in North Manchester. He was then employed at General Tire and Rubber Company (later GenCorp) in Wabash for thirty-seven years, retiring in 2005.
Merl enjoyed working in his yard, always with his IU hat on, feeding his birds, and fishing. He also relished his time watching his grandkids sporting events, and was an avid IU Basketball fan, as well as a fan of the Pacers, Colts, and Cubs.
Merl is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Karen Wilson, North Manchester; daughter, Tammy (Steve) Henson, North Manchester; son, David Wilson and his companion, Sheila Wilson, of Pierceton; five grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alyssa) Henson, North Manchester, Kristin Henson, Peru, Kayla (Jason) Miller, North Manchester, Cierra Wilson, North Manchester, and Scott Wilson, Pierceton; and seven great-grandchildren. Merl was preceded in death by his parents, Merl and Alvina; three brothers, Lewis, Lawrence, and Richard; an infant sister, Nancy; and an infant daughter, Debra Lynn.
Family and friends may call Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Servia, Indiana. The family has invited everyone to wear their IU attire to honor Merl.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Merl Junior Wilson, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester, Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.
The family of Merl Wilson has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com