Merrill C Freeman

Merrill C Freeman, age 87, passed away on February 15, 2026. He was born on November 27, 1938.

He graduated from West Lebanon High School in Indiana. While still in high school, he served in the Navy Reserves. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the Army, where he served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. He later continued his military service in the Air Force, where he served in the NATO underground headquarters. Merrill went on to build a long career with AT&T, retiring after 25 years of service.

Merrill met the love of his life, Martha "Marti" Jo Geisler, in the summer of 1960, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and friendship. He was a Past Master of F&AM Shawnee Lodge, a member of the American Legion, and he and Marti enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.

His greatest joy in life was his family. Merrill and his beloved wife, Marti, made every effort to watch a game, match, or event for their children and grandchildren, always cheering proudly from the stands.

Merrill was a man of strong character, deep loyalty, and a lifelong love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and listening to country music. An avid reader, he proudly owned every book written by Louis L'Amour. Some of his most treasured memories were the many years spent deer hunting in Parke County with his sons, Todd and Keith, and his best friend, Rick Prather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Harold Freeman, and his brothers Robert, Larry, and Jeff Freeman.

Merrill is survived by his devoted wife, Marti Freeman; their children Teri Griffis, Todd (Carol) Freeman of McCordsville, IN, Nona (Casey Cline) Alyea of Greenfield, IN, and Keith (Beth) Freeman of Lafayette, IN; children from earlier in life, Charlotte Hindman of Glencoe, AL, and Patrick Freeman of California.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Erica (Richie) Welborn, Greg Ayala, Taylor (Kaly) Freeman, Nick (Olivia) Ayala, Jordan Griffis, Dennis (Roxy) Alyea, Daniel Alyea, Liddy (fiancée Hunter Griffith) Freeman, Rebekah Freeman, Samantha Freeman, Andrew Freeman, and Kelly (Chase) Dowdy; great-grandchildren Anders Carrigan, Bentley Welborn, Emma Welborn, and Greyson Alyea; and siblings Murietta "Reta" Slaven of Lafayette, IN, Margaret "Peg" (Leon) Ottinger of Lafayette, IN, and Dale Freeman of Kokomo, IN.

Merrill will be remembered for his strength, his honesty, his love of the outdoors, and the pride he took in his family. His legacy lives on in the many memories shared through years of hunting trips, family gatherings, and the countless moments he spent supporting those he loved.

Private services to be held at a later date.