Edward John Merten, Jr.

Edward John Merten, Jr., 86, of Georgetown, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

He was born on May 11, 1935, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He moved to Georgetown, Indiana, when he was twelve years old. He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1953.

Edward enlisted in the Army National Guard in his junior year of high school at age 17, and he served 42 years until his retirement in May 1995, obtaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Edward also served 35 years in the civil service, working for the Indiana Military Department, retiring in 1990.

Edward married his wife, Janice Marie Lankford, on June 4, 1955, and remained married for 65 years until her death in May 2020.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents, Edward J., Sr., and Gilbert (Stone) Merten of Georgetown, Indiana; and his two sisters, Lynetta Roller and Doris Poindexter.

Edward is survived by his son, Mark (Robin) Merten; daughter, Lisa (Wayne) Wilder; daughter, Laura (Jeff) LaDuke; grandchildren, Anna Merten, John (Brianne) Merten, Kelly Merten, Andrew Kasse, Charles Wilder, Nicole (Wes) Crosthwaite, Krista (Joe) McNew, and Jessica (Tad) Streepey; and great-grandchildren, Caden Wilder, Cailie Wilder, Jackson Crosthwaite, Mason Crosthwaite, Brody Crosthwaite, Emily McNew, Eli McNew, Hayley Goodman, Finley Streepey, and Aynsley Streepey.

Edward was an avid fisherman and woodworker. He volunteered his time at Portland Christian School and Woodland Bible Camp. He also served on the Board of Directors for Maple Manor Christian Home, KingsField Children's Home, and the Southeastern Christian Education Corporation. Edward was a Deacon at Cherry Street Church of Christ where he also served as the building maintenance director. Edward was a member of Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #480 in Georgetown, Indiana. He also volunteered at Portland Christian School in Louisville, chaperoning students on field trips and assisting with building maintenance and other school projects.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane). His Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Edwardsville Cemetery.

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