Merle J. Giant

Merle J. Giant, 88, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born April 21, 1934 in Fort Wayne, the son of the late Lansing and Agnes Giant. Merle graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1952. He worked at the family business, Giant Food Store, from 1952-1972. He later became the Assistant Director of Material Management at the Fort Wayne Developmental Center for 27 years, retiring in 1999. Merle was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. Merle is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan M. Giant of Fort Wayne, IN; daughter, Tammy A. (Jeff) Rice of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Ted J. Giant of Fremont, IN; sister, Mary Ann Jackson of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Christopher (Ashley) Rice of Fort Wayne, IN, Cameron Rice of New York, Chandler (Kelli) Rice of Fort Wayne, IN; great-grandchildren, Liam, Faith, and Cooper. In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph L. Giant, Delbert Giant; sister, Birnelle Kerslake; and brother-in-law, Thomas Jackson. A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Merle's life and legacy will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 14, 2022, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior. A visitation will also take place on Sunday, November 13, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. He will be laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery. Memorial donations in his memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, or the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Merle's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.