Merle T. Templin

1942 - 2022

Merle T. Templin, 80, Converse, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in Bradenton, Florida, with family members by his side. Mr. Templin was born in Marion, Indiana, on March 1, 1942, to Floyd M. Templin and Louise E. Templin. On June 16, 1963, Merle married Suzanne Kay McCracken.

Merle graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1960. He attended Purdue University and completed the agriculture short course in animal science. He then managed and worked on the family farm for over 62 years. He was a member of the Top-Ag board, Grant County Soil and Water Conservation board, and was an Honorary Chapter Farmer by the Future Farmers of America. Merle served one term on the Oak Hill school board and, for more than 43 years, on the Farmers Mutual Insurance board as a successor from his dad, Floyd Templin. He also worked for more than 25 years as safety patrol for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Indy 500 and other races.

Mr. Templin was a 1968 charter member of the Oak Hill Farm Club and a lifelong member of Richland Chapel United Methodist Church, Converse, where he served on several boards and committees. Merle enjoyed the hard work that comes with a life of farming. He also enjoyed gardening, other outdoor activities, and, in his later years, spending the winter months in the warm sun of Florida. He attended many activities and sporting events throughout the years to encourage his children and grandchildren.

Merle is survived by his son, Todd (Lois) Templin, Whitestown, and their children, Margo (Ryan) Birk, Pittsboro, and Trevor (Whitney) Templin, Zionsville; his daughter, Lynn (Mark) Townsend, East Leroy, Michigan, and their children, Sophie and Macy; his son, Tim (Teresa) Templin and their children Tori, Claire, and Corey, Converse; great-grandchildren, LilliAnn Templin, Owen Birk, and Evan Birk; brother-in-law, Kent (Nora) McCracken; sister-in-law, Carolyn McCracken; and many dear cousins, neighbors, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Suzanne; and brother-in-law, David McCracken.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, visitation will take place from 10:30 am to 11:30 am followed by a celebration of Merle's life at 11:30 am at Richland Chapel United Methodist Church, 5026 N. 900 W.-27, Converse, IN 46919. Pastor Scott Baker will be officiating with burial in Converse Cemetery immediately after the service.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, for the tremendous care that Merle received during his short stay, and to thank his friends and neighbors at Sugar Creek Estates for their kindness.

Memorials may be made to Richland Chapel United Methodist Church, 5026 N. 900 W.-27, Converse, IN 46919.

Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.