MERLIN WILLIAM NICE

MERLIN WILLIAM NICE, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. Born in Warsaw, Ind., on Jan. 17, 1962, he was the son of the late Joseph R. and Joy E. (Werten berger) Nice. Merlin graduated from Southwood High School in 1980 and earned his AB in Economics from Wabash College in 1984. Merlin was a man of many passions with a heart as big if not bigger than his 6'5" frame. First and foremost, Merlin was a man of God and reflected Christian living in his daily life. He consistently set the example for others to follow. As a multi-sport varsity letter athlete at Southwood High School, Merlin was well known and respected throughout Wabash County. Put athletics aside, Merlin was a well-balanced student both from an academic and school activity perspective. Because of Merlin's high school achievements in both academics and athletics he was accepted to Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., where he continued to excel in academics and pursue his passion to play multiple sports. Wabash College was a perfect fit for Merlin and Merlin was a perfect fit for Wabash College. While Wabash College is known for its strong academic ranking, little did Merlin know that he would play on the 1982 NCAA National Championship basketball team. Up until a few years ago, he held the record for the most consecutive free throws (24) made during any NCAA tournament. Merlin was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He received the Pete Vaughn Outstanding Athlete award and was inducted into the Wabash College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. Once Merlin graduated and left collegiate basketball, he turned to officiating at both the high school level and all college division levels. As his Wabash College coach commented, "Merlin officiated the way he played, under control and he knew what he was supposed to do." He refereed NAIA National Tournaments and multiple post season Division 3 assignments, as well as, refereed a record 13 conference championship games in the NAIA Crossroads League. He retired as an active official in 2019. Merlin was a devoted member of the Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne where he and his wife became members in 2011. Merlin served as a referee in the church Upward basketball program touching many lives along the way. Merlin was a member of the Orchard Ridge Country Club as well where he made instant friendships not to mention increase his love and passion of yet another sport. He also served on his neighborhood's Board of Inverness Commons grounds management team. Merlin was a top sales account manager for Univar Solutions for 27 years where he managed accounts in northeastern Indiana. Merlin was a natural leader, team player and mentored many new account managers. As many of his customers said "If Merlin said he was going to do something, I could take it to the bank". Merlin is survived by his wife, Susan Hedback-Nice of Fort Wayne; siblings, David (Jane) Nice of Paulding, Ohio, Rebecca (Mike) Jamrog of Midland, Mich., and Daniel (Susie) Nice of Mobile, Ala.; and stepmother, Elaine Nice of North Manchester, Ind. Additionally, Merlin was blessed by several nieces and nephews, Joy Coughlin, Audrey Stechschulte, Isaac Nice, Natalie Jamrog, Emma Jamrog, Logan Nice, Carly Rivers and Art Pace. Through marriage Merlin is survived by several step brothers and sisters, Jim (Carol) Hedback, Steve (Chris) Hedback; stepchildren, Terri Ruehl Young, Thomas (Holly) Tuttle and Brandon Weddle; step grandchildren, Shar, Danny, Rachel (Josh), Lauren, Brook, Delaney, Drew, Brady, and Molly; and several step great-granchildren, nieces and nephews. "In the end, Merlin was a devout Christian with a BIG heart and BIG smile and an unforgettable sense of humor. Once you met Merlin you never forgot him. We are at peace knowing he is resting in his Savior's arms and receiving his reward for his good and faithful work here on earth. He was loved and respected by many and was only loaned to us from his Creator for a much too short of time. May you rest in peace Merlin William Nice. We will always cherish you and the memories you created for us." Funeral service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Obituary continued next column...