Merrill L. “Butch” Sands, Jr., 71, of Marion, passed away at 2:55 am on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Marion Health. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Thursday, December 20, 1951, to Merrill L. “Dutch” Sands, Sr., and Martha (Hudson) Sands. He married Mildred “Midge” (Moorman) on December 3, 1971, and she survives.
Butch graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1969. He was a machinist for 30 years with Chrysler Casting Plant and previously worked at Hoosier Metal.
Butch had coached baseball and softball for many years and loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He liked playing golf, especially at Arbor Trace in Marion. Butch was an avid New York Yankees, Colts, and IU fan. He was also a big fan of “whoever played against Ohio State or Purdue”.
In addition to his loving wife of 51 years, Midge, survivors include his sons, Chris (Jennifer) Sands of Gas City and Jeff (Brooke) Sands of Marion; daughter, Leah (Nathan) Gray of Gas City; grandchildren, Alexis (Jordan) Byrd, Mallory Sands, Kaycee Sands, Austin Sands, Lance Sands, Logan Smith, Levi Smith, Lyla Smith, Brooklynn Brubaker, Ashtynn Brubaker, and Natalie Gray; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy Hatfield; and brother, Tom Sands.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
On Monday, November 6, 2023, a service to celebrate Butch’s life will begin at 11:30 am with Pastor Barry Earley officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.