Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Merkel

Larry J. Merkel was born to Lillian Merkel (Lampert) and Urban Merkel in Jasper, Indiana on January 16, 1940. After graduating Jasper High School, Larry enlisted in the Navy in 1958 where he served 4 years active service and 2 years reserve service ending in 1964 where he received an honorable discharge. One year prior to his discharge, he started working with IBM as an engineer where he loyally and proudly worked until retirement in 1993. Larry loved his work so much, that he continued working at IBM as an independent contractor until 2004. Larry had a large and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Linda, who he married on October 3, 1992. He is also survived by his three daughters, Deidre Engelman of Arnold, Missouri, Shelly Maynard of Tucson, Arizona and Renee Patron of Tucson, Arizona. He has three beautiful grandchildren, Jacob Engelman of Arnold, Missouri, Arya Patron of Tucson, Arizona and Cole Patron of Tucson, Arizona, each one of which he was so proud of. Larry’s wonderful family is lovingly large, with 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Starting with the first born, Betty (Paul) Harter of Jasper, Indiana, Margie Wolf of Clifton, Texas, Larry then being third born, followed by Kenny (Joan) Merkel of Milton, Florida and Patty (Ambrose) Hoffman of Jasper, Indiana. He is preceded in death by Ginger (Dale) Barclay of Newburgh, Indian and last but not least, Gene Merkel (Bev) of Jasper, Indiana. Larry had a warm and generous spirit. He was loved by way too many to name. Breakfast was his favorite meal, one that he would never miss. He met regularly with his fellow retired IBM’ers and he cherished that time. His knowledge of geography stunned most that knew him. Larry found his greatest happiness in his yard, gardening and his fruit trees. He would spend endless hours sitting in his favorite chair on the back porch, enjoying the fruits of his labor of love. His quick wit and humor was sure to always make you laugh. Larry will be deeply missed but rest assured that every one of you reading this has held a special place in his heart. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern Arizona Community Food Bank (https://www.communityfoodbank.org/donate) or to the Stray Paws Rescue of St. Louis (http://www.straypawsrescue.com/).