After a long, valiant fight, Dayrl L. Merrill, 67, lost the battle but won the war on June 4, 2019, and is now healed and whole with his Savior in the heavenly realms. Dayrl was born April 21, 1952, the son of Herbert (Jack) and Ruby (Lamb) Merrill. He attended Monroe Central High School and graduated in 1970.
On December 29, 1974, he married Joan Shultz. He worked as a computer programmer for several companies before retiring in March of 2018. Dayrl was long time member of The Brethren Church, renowned MC for the Family Camp variety show at the Brethren Retreat at Shipshewana Lake for over 30 years, and on the camp board for many years. He and Joan enjoyed square dancing in the early years, and he was the caller for the Purdue Krazy 8s for many years.
As Rask Ulfbjorn, Dayrl was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, first as a fighter and later as a vendor of traditional archery supplies. He was also an Eagle Scout and the Troop leader for Troop 31 in Cowan. He enjoyed bowling and golf.
Dayrl will be missed by his wife, Joan, brother Marvin (Barbara), sisters Wanda Skiles and Neva Curts, Children Andy (Nichole), Ben (Heather), Katie (Carlo) Mendoza, Abby (John) Lowe, and Anna (Jonathan) Rainous, and 11 grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as a brother, Richard.
Services will be at The First Brethren Church of Oakville on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 3pm. Visitation from 1pm – 3pm. Burial to follow at Old Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brethren Retreat at Shipshewana Lake, 9095 W 275 N, Shipshewana, IN 46565.
Shirley Sereque says
Such a shock to read he passed. We loved him at the Purdue Krazy Eights and hoped he’d get well enough to call for us again.
Karen Weidenhamer says
Joan and family… we are so saddened by your loss of your dear husband and father of your children. May God wrap His arms tightly around you and hold you close!
Love, Karen and Brad W.
Mary Ryan says
So sorry for your great loss. Will pray for his family and friends.
Beth Bennett says
So very sorry to hear of Daryl’s passing, have many fond memories of him at our family holiday dinners. Prayers to all of you, know he will be missed.
Marcia Stoffer says
Joan,
We send our deepest sympathies for your loss. We were so sorry to hear of Daryl’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give youcomfort and peace in days to come.
Tom Sprowls says
Joan,
From the mountaintop of Berlin, PA we send our deepest sympathies in the passing of Daryl. May God bring you peace and comfort in this very difficult time. The Lord, only, can ease the pain for your loss.
Melissa Stacer says
Dayrl was a wonderful person. I met him through Purdue Krazy Eights. He will be missed. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Gloria Radcliff Perry says
Joan,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I understand your grief and pray the Lord will walk alongside you through this difficult time.
Tim Hultgren says
I pray that God’s peace will be ever present in these difficult days. I knew him as a fellow Christian, old guy, archer in the SCA. He will be missed by many he touched in our game. He was always quick to brag about his kids. He as obviously proud of you. Lord bless you.
Richard Oldham says
Daryl was my basketball student manager when I coached at MC. What a terrific young man and I’m so sorry for his passing. I haven’t seen him since he graduated but I know he had to be a great person. I Will always remember him.
Amy-Christine Fallowfield says
We send our condolences and prayers for his family and friends. We enjoyed talking with him at SCA events while merchanting near him for several years in the Barony of Sternfeld (Indianapolis). He was always so nice and helpful with our archery needs and questions. We will miss his smile and laughter.
Gregory T. Reynard (Gregor) says
This man was one of the most kind and honest merchants I ever bought from. He was helpful to an extreme degree. I missed talking to him this year. Now I know why. May be rest in glory. He is and will be missed.