Gale D. Merrick

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Gale Merrick Obituary

July 30, 1927 - Oct. 18, 2010
ELKHART - Gale D. Merrick, 83, of Elkhart, IN, died at 6:53 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010, in Hospice House, Elkhart. Mr. Merrick was a retired pharmacist and owner of the Merrick Pharmacies in South Bend and North Liberty for 39 years. He also retired twice from K-Mart Pharmacy in Niles, MI. His "fun job" was a vehicle locator (driver) for Enterprise Rent-A-Car Remarketing Division in Mishawaka from 2001 to 2006. He was born July 30, 1927, in South Bend, and was the son of Norman W. "Joe" Merrick Sr. and Esther "Daisy" Duncan Merrick. His brother, Norman W. Merrick Jr., preceded him in death in 1987. He graduated from Riley High School in 1944 and received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1950. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II and the Korea War. In 1950 he married Betty Louise Sheneman of North Liberty, who preceded him in death on January 29, 1989. They had three children, Craig (Cris) Merrick of South Bend, IN, Michael (Sue) Merrick of Normal, IL, and Nancy Merrick of Mishawaka, IN, who survive him. On December 29, 1989, he married Janet (Lewis) Bailey, and her four children, Gayle (Bill) Becker of Granger, Karen (John) Kuklinski of Carmel, IN, Jill (Rick) Estes of Elkhart, IN, and Brad (Toni) Martin of Granger, IN, who survive him. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 8 1/2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Merrick was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in South Bend for 55 years, and had been a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elkhart since 1997. He sang in both church choirs. He was a former member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, past president of the Elkhart Breakfast Club, a member of SCORE, a lifetime member of Purdue Alumni Association and a member of the Purdue Club. He was also a Purdue football season ticket holder for 59 years. He volunteered for Church Community Services and delivered meals for the Salvation Army as well as participated on medical missions to Mexico and Ecuador. From the age of 21, he donated 182 pints of blood during his lifetime. A favorite activity since 1992 was playing slow-pitch softball in the Battell Senior Softball League. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorial contributions be made to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 431 S. Third Street, Elkhart, IN 46516; or to Elkhart Hospice House, 22579 Old U.S. 20 E., Elkhart, IN 46516. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 22, 2010, in the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 431 S. Third St., Elkhart, IN. Private graveside services will take place at Westlawn Cemetery, North Liberty, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gale Merrick

10 Entries

Sue Harmon

November 16, 2010

Gale Merrick was a close friend of my dad---Russell Poole---from high school. Gale, Bill Shafer, and Dad had lots of fun adventures that I heard about throughout my life. In 2006-2007, I had the pleasure of corresponding with Gale through e-mail when I put together a "memory book" for Dad when he was ill with leukemia. Gale was a funny, endearing man, and I wish that I had been able to meet him. But I know that he, Bill, and Dad are in a much better place. They're probably rocking a fishing boat right now!! My deepest sympathy to all the family.

Karen Green-Marciniak

October 21, 2010

My mom, Frances Green, worked for Gale at Merrick's Pharmacy at the corner of St. Rd 23 and Ironwood. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

October 20, 2010

I was sorry to learn of Gale's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Janet and family. Janet was a good friend of mine in high school and as such, I wish her well in her time of grief.

I have fond memories of the many lunch hours spent in the Merrick Pharmacy and of the many Riley friends who used to hang out there.

Gale and my brother, Bill Shafer were friends and Riley classmates who kept in touch over the years until Bill's death four years ago. Hopefully they are once again enjoying that camaraderie in a much better place.

Gale was a pro-active person who enjoyed life, his family and his many
friends. His participation in so many diverse organizations aimed at helping others is indicative of the kind and generous person he was.

He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Gene Shafer, Georgetown, TX

Dave & Pam Craft

October 20, 2010

Gale was the 1st pharmacist Dave worked for - at Merrick's Liberty Pharmacy - and life brought us together again at Liberty Drugs. He taught us so much about taking care of people. We will remember his generous spirit, his smile and his laugh. We feel blessed to have been part of his life.

Jackie Clay

October 20, 2010

Oh my I didn't know that he was the first owner of the Drug Store in Liberty, I remember we could go there,, and get cherry cokes at the counter and we could sit in the booth's and eat lunch and have lots of fun. I am so sorry, about Mr. Merrick's passing. May he rest in peace. But I was little so I wouldn't know the owner. I remember we called it Liberty Drug Store. My prayers go out to his entire family

Judi LaViolette

October 20, 2010

I'm sorry about your loss. Gale sounded like an incredible man. How impressive that he donated blood 182 times! Thank you! I'm sure he'll be sadly missed. My deepest sympathy to your family.

Judi LaViolette, friend of Gayle Becker

George Lambert

October 20, 2010

I was sorry to learn today that the husband of my Riley High School friend and Classmate, Janet Lewis, is no longer with us. I remember having the good fortune to meet and visit with Gale Merrick two years ago at the Riley High Over the Hill Gang Reunion. We had a good discussion about the prior owner, Clyde Simons, the prior owner of the pharmacy near the intersection of S. Michigan and Ewing in South Bend. Clyde was a good friend of my parents. Gale's obituary was very informative and impressive. He made significant contributions to our country and many local organizations. He will be missed by many including me who only met him once but liked him very much. May God Bless Janet and her extended family and friends.

John Wilcox

October 20, 2010

Many great childhood memories at the drug store...baseball cards, frozen candy bars and more. Our prayers are with your family.
John, Cindy & Eljay WIlcox

October 20, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of Gale's departure from earth to a better place. I am not available to come to the services as I had two hip replacements in Florida at Mayos and still at Chuck's in St. Marys Ga.

Norma Trader

Charles Spiher

October 20, 2010

Sincere sympathy to Craig and your dad's extended family in the loss of one of the truly good guys. Gale was the quintessential pharmacist, a thoughtful listener, kind to his employees, and a trusted colleague.

Aside from his allegiance to all things boilermaker, his interests away from the pharmacy made him a true renaissance man. He was 'retired', but no one ever told him. May he rest in peace.

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