Obituary of Roy L. Merrill

MERRILL, Roy L. age 71 of Lebanon, Ohio and formerly of Freeport, Illinois and Muncie, Indiana passed peacefully Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Bethesda Arrowsprings. Born June 24, 1944 in Muncie, Indiana, Roy was the son of Talbot E. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Hartley) Merrill and was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Roy was a graduate of Muncie Central High School and Ball State University where he earned his Master's Degree. Roy taught high school level sciences and was the Freeport, Illinois Teacher of the Year in 1973. Roy enjoyed aviation and was active with the Civil Air Patrol Rescue. Preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Barbara Sue Merrill and brothers Michael, Fredrick and Mark; Roy leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years Deborah "Debby" (Sprong) Merrill of Lebanon, Ohio; sons William O. (Natalie) Merrill of Springboro, Ohio and George A. (Mona) Buss of Freeport, Illinois; daughter Kaethe E. (Todd) Robertson of Springfield, Illinois; grandchildren Landen and Brady Merrill, Mark Robertson and Jordan and Jason Buss; sister-in-law Ruth Merrill; nephew Brian (Jennifer) Merrill of Michigan City, Indiana; Sydney and Paige Merrill and many other family members and friends. Calling hours will be held Monday, August 24, 2015 from 6pm until 8pm at the Stine Kilburn Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held from 11am until 12pm Tuesday, August 25, 2015 followed by the funeral service at 12pm at Stine Kilburn Funeral Home. Burial will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 12pm in the Elm Ridge Memorial Park in Muncie, Indiana. The family has requested memorial donations to be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.