Nelson A. Merkley

Nelson A. Merkley, age 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. He was born December 12, 1942 in Murray, Utah to the late Aird Gerber and Merle (née Bingham) Merkley. He graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah and matriculated from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah with a B.S. in Political Science. While at Brigham Young University, Nelson met his wife Toni. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 19, 1966. He was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1970 and awarded the Purple Heart.

Following his service, Nelson began his career with Lincoln National Life Insurance in San Antonio, Texas and ultimately transferred to Fort Wayne in 1974, retiring after thirty years of service. He enjoyed domestic and international travel, serving on missions to Germany, listening to music, gardening, ushering for various sporting events and concerts at Wizards Stadium and the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and most recently discovered a passion for ornithology. He was an active, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in various capacities and cherished time spent with friends and family.

Nelson is survived by his daughters, Christine (Steve Smith) Merkley of Fort Wayne, Marilyn (Greg) Lepore of Columbia, Maryland, Deborah (Joshua) Hensley of Moscow, Russia; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Delores Horton, Jean (Graham) Hawkins, and Margaret (Gary) Snow. He was preceded in death by his wife, Toni Rae Merkley; brothers, Wayne Merkley and Glade Merkley; brother-in-law, Richard Horton; sister, Marilyn Merkley; and sisters-in-law, Gretta Merkley and Nordine Merkley.

Funeral Service is 11:00 am Monday, October 28, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5401 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will also be received from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 27 at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne. Grave dedication will be 2:00 pm on Monday, October 28 at Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne.

Memorial donations in his honor may be directed to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Merkley family may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com.