Merrill A. Blackwell

Merrill A. Blackwell, 88, of Indianapolis passed away on July 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Merrill was born on November 25, 1935, in Indianapolis to his parents, Carl and Alma Blackwell.

Merrill married the love of his life, Marylyn, on July 21, 1956. He was a devoted husband for 68 years. Together they raised three boys: Mike, Gary, and Donnie.

Spending time with family was Merrill’s favorite pastime, especially attending grandkids events. He also enjoyed traveling, camping and boating as well as dancing and crosswords. He had an endless appetite for sweets and somehow never seemed to gain a pound. Merrill spent several years as a security guard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was a big Bobby Knight IU basketball fan.

Merrill attended Arsenal Technical High School and many years later obtained his bachelor’s degree at IU School of Business while working full-time and raising a family. He began working at Western Electric Company Inc. in 1954 and worked there until the plant closed in 1982 when he transferred to Lucent Technologies in Orlando Fl. and eventually retired in 1990 when they moved back to Indianapolis to be with family.

Merrill became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1958 at Council #3228. In his 59 years of service, he served as Grand Knight acquiring 4th degree in Bishop Chatard Assembly #245. He was also active in the Men’s Club at Little Flower Church.

Merrill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Merrill is survived by his loving wife, Marylyn Rose (Jines) Blackwell; his sons, Mike (Karen) Blackwell, Dcn. Gary (Lynn) Blackwell, and Donnie (Maria) Blackwell. Along with grandchildren Grant, Dustin, Rachel, Mitchel, Corinne, Jacob, Gordon, Katey, and Duke. As well as 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ronald “Pepper” and Janice; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Merrill is preceded in death by his father, Carl Victor Blackwell; mother, Alma (Hendrix) Blackwell; and his siblings, Joan, Maryann, and Dwight.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 6PM-8PM at Flanner Buchanan—Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229. A funeral mass will be held at 10AM the following day at Little Flower Catholic Church, 4720 E. 13th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46201.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Merrill, memorial contributions may be made to St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower), 4720 E. 13th Street Indianapolis, IN. 46201.