Merrill Hall, 95, died on Saturday, July 15, 2017, after a brief stay at Parkview Regional Medical Center. He was born in Landess, Indiana, on March 21, 1922, to Milford (Ada) Hall and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1940. He married the love of his life, Julia “Peachy” Willson, in April of 1943. They were in love and shared nearly 60 years together until she preceded him in October of 2002. He served in the United States Navy from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1945.
Merrill built a number of office buildings, remodeled hundreds of homes, and constructed several new houses in the greater Marion area. He had a well-deserved reputation for quality craftsmanship and impeccable integrity. He also was known to be a mentor to his employees, many of whom went on to their own successful careers. In addition to his contracting business, Merrill ran a small farm near Hanfield.
He was a long-time member of Hanfield United Methodist Church, where Merrill was the youth leader for nearly 20 years. He also helped build the original Hanfield parsonage and the second Hanfield Church. He was very active in the church, attending virtually every time the doors were open and serving on various committees through the years as well, including Lay Leader. Merrill was also a dedicated Habitat for Humanity volunteer, going on a number of mission trips to build schools and homes. He also enjoyed golf, the Cubs, and IU basketball.
Merrill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Julia; his oldest son, Merrill; brothers, Melvin E. and Wayne R.; and sister, Betty Bragg.
He is survived by his daughters, Sally Heydlauff (Ned), Susan Gaylor (John), and Marilyn Wilder (Kevin); son, Melvin F.; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Pete Hall and Rev. Lloyd Hall; Verna Hall (Sebring, Florida), whom he married in 2003; and a host of friends, admirers, and fellow church members in Indiana and in Florida.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, July 20, 2017, from 3-5 p.m. at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana.
A Built to Last Celebration of Merrill’s life and legacy will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Heritage Pointe Chapel, Warren, where Merrill lived for the past 18 months. Chaplain Gerald Moreland will be officiating.
There will be a private burial at Gardens of Memory in Marion.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Grant County Habitat for Humanity, 816 S. Branson St., Marion, IN 46953.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.