Merrill Hugh Childers

Merrill Hugh Childers, 80, Marion, passed away in Marion General Hospital at 2:55 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018. He was born in Marion on August 31, 1937, and was the son of the late Hugh Childers and Bessie (Lafavour) Huffman. On March 11, 1956, Merrill married Charlotte J. Childers, and they shared nearly 60 years together until she passed away on March 5, 2016. He then married Jondajane (Ford) Hix on April 2, 2017, and she survives.
Following his graduation from Marion High School, Merrill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country. After his military service, he was a machine operator at Dana Corp. for 33 years until his retirement. He also drove the school bus for 35 years for Marion Community Schools. He was a member of Grace Community Church.
Merrill was the kind of guy who truly loved being outdoors, whether it was taking care of the yard, mowing the grass, or fishing with his children. He taught all of them how to fish. Merrill also enjoyed working puzzles, going on drives, and going out to eat.
He is survived by his wife, Jondajane; daughters, Cindy (Bernie) Childers, Warsaw, and Julia (Mike) Stevens, Marion; son, Brian (Tammy) Childers, Marion; step-sons, Randy (Al) Hix, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ricky (April) Hix, Marion; step-daughter, Candy (Steve) Pierce, Marion; grandchildren, Erica (Shadel) Brading, Brooke (Lee) McCreary, Taylor McClanahan, and Brandon Childers; 4 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 7 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene Parker; and his beloved dog, Cody.
The family will receive visitors from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Services to celebrate Merrill’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018, at Grace Community Church, 1810 E. Bradford St., Marion, IN, with Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Entombment will follow in Grant Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.