John Keith Merrell

About

Richmond High School Purdue University

John Merrell Obituary

John Keith Merrell

88, of Noblesville, died at home on Tuesday June 30, 2015. He is survived by his wife Verna and four children and their families: Carrie (Merrell) Houchin of Huntingburg, IN, Liz (Merrell) Ricci of Cincinnati, OH, Jay Merrell of Noblesville, IN, and Tom Merrell of Indianapolis, IN and their families. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Amelia Merrell.

The son of William and Blanche Merrell, John was born in Richmond, Indiana on April 1, 1927 and was the youngest of nine children. After he graduated from Richmond High School in 1945, John served his country as a member of the United States Navy. John graduated from Purdue University in 1950 where he met his beloved wife, Verna, and became a lifelong member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

John moved to New York City in 1950 to begin his career in sales at Spaulding Fiber Company. He and Verna were married in 1950 at The Little Church Around the Corner and greatly enjoyed their time in New York. The family moved back to Noblesville in 1966 and on July 1st of the same year, John founded Industrial Dielectrics, Inc. He grew the business to become the global industry leader in thermoset composite materials with eight manufacturing locations around the world and over 700 dedicated and loyal employees. He held several national industry leadership positions during his career. A child of the depression and extraordinarily humble beginnings, John embodied the American Dream from which he took great pride.

With his sharp wit and love of life, John was a true raconteur whose presence always filled the room, charming those around him. Through travel and constant learning, he instilled a curiosity and sense of adventure in his family and friends all of whom both admired and loved him dearly. John became a thoughtful philanthropist who was attentive to the plight of those around him and charitable with his time and means. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and wonderful grandfather.

A visitation will be held on Monday July 6th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Noblesville Presbyterian Church with a funeral service to follow. Private family burial service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name can be made to the American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Jul. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Merrell

5 Entries

PauL and Julie Stanley and Family (the Maine Stanleys)

July 7, 2015

John and my father (Dick Stanley) were Beta brothers at Purdue and became life long friends. Our families became close when we moved to Pelham, NY and the Merrells were in Greenwich, CT. Being that close allowed our families many wonderful get-togethers. I remember the group vacations at the beach at Sea Isle City (it's raining, the Merrells must be here). When the Merrells move back to IN they were close to the "cradle" of the Stanley/Harger families and became a part of our extended family as well. Dad was one of the initial investors in IDI and was so proud of John's accomplishments. As we grew our families may have become distant geographically but still always close (although John never did stop calling me "Pauley"). John, you will be missed but never forgotten!

Dave and Cathy Schuetter

July 4, 2015

In honor of John Merrell. May fond memories of your husband, father and grandfather comfort you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Dave and Cathy Schuetter

July 2, 2015

I am a proud son in law of John Merrell.
In him I found a brother, a friend, a second father and a tolerant mentor.I grew to love a man who could recount events with remarkable detail, especially while sitting on his favorite chair on his favorite porch in Sanibel.We could talk baseball for hours!!
His family was recipient of many gifts .Most importantly his gift of values,courage and character.
John, I am making a couple JB and sodas for us to enjoy on a different porch, and please try not to help yourself to any more meatballs,I've counted them.
Remembering all of our wonderful years,with love and amazement!!
Frank

Ann Nigro

July 2, 2015

I remember John and Verna, first as our neighbors on State Rd. 32 then as our friends in the years to come. Thank you for being such great friends to my parents, Keith and Peggy Macy. I am so grateful that we were able to see both John and Verna this past March while back for a visit. Thank you for being a special part of my life. Special prayers are for you, Verna. God Bless!

Len and Shelane Nunnery

July 2, 2015

Our most sincere condolences, Merrell family. From our unique vantage point as respectful competitors in business, Mr. Merrell has symbolized the very best kind of success; self-made, innovative, ethical and family oriented. During this sad time, we hope you might take comfort in the high esteem Mr. Merrell earned and maintained across the decades. Our respect will live on in his memory. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Len and Shelane Nunnery

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results