Reverend Joseph Stephen Merrill, age 81, of Keystone (formerly of Ridgeville), finally entered the rest of the perfect love of his Father on November 23, 2024, at home, surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Joe was born on June 22, 1943, in Mooreland Indiana. Growing up as a preacher's kid, Joe moved around to various towns in Indiana. He graduated salutatorian from Western High School, Russiaville, with the class of 1960. While pursuing a degree in chemistry from Butler University, Joe felt God calling him to drop it all and instead pursue a life of service to Him. He graduated in 1965 from Union Bible Seminary in Westfield, Indiana.

While at Seminary, Joe met and married Grace Barnard. They were united in marriage on August 23, 1963, and labored together for 57 years until her passing in 2020. The couple continued to follow God wherever He led them. This included pastoring various churches in Indiana, Ohio, and Florida; serving as missionaries for 10 years in Bolivia, South America; and starting several different schools, to meet the needs that they saw were present. Joe also counseled many individuals over the years – many of whom never forgot the impact that he made on them.

While engaged in ministry, Joe also worked extensively in the printing industry as a press operator, binder, and cutter, in shops including Economy Printing/EP Graphics (Berne), Sunshine Press (Sarasota, FL), and Craftline Printing (Ft. Wayne). He retired from Craftline in 2010 after 24 years of service. After retirement, Joe worked part time for a few more years selling insurance.

Joe stayed very busy even in retirement. He devoted much time to caring for his wife, and even when she could no longer remain at home, he was at the nursing home with her every day without fail. He found great joy in writing down and sharing many of his stories from their time on the mission field. He was always an avid story-teller and never ran out of things to say, often saying them more than once. He also had a passion for free-cell that will never be forgotten. Joe loved gardening and always had the best way for doing things..just ask him.

Joe will be remembered by those who knew him for his incredible drive and determination. He often worked himself to the bone, and always had a million projects in the works. He would make any sacrifice to make sure his family was taken care of. He was always a loyal supporter, even if it was more behind the scenes and unannounced.

Survivors include his children – Tim (Nikki) Merrill, Economy; Sharon Braun, Keystone; Debbie Schwartz, Geneva; and Dan Merrill, Keystone. His sister – Liz Nielander, Kokomo. Grandchildren – Dawn Caylor, Damon Caylor, Jessica Braun, Jordan (Faith) Braun, Daphne Landers, and Amanda (Phillip) Martz. Great-grandchildren – Bradley, Colton, William, Theo, Beckham, and Gwen.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Merrill; parents, Rev. Elmer and Milley (Turner) Merrill; daughter, Martha Caylor; son-in-law, Harry Caylor; and granddaughter, Angela Schwartz.

A memorial service will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with visiting hours on Thursday from 4 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday at Little Blue River Friends Cemetery in Rush County.

Memorials may be sent to The Gideons International; condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be given at www.MeachamFuneralService.com.