Merrell Bolding

Merrell Bolding, 84, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the Lodge of the Wabash. Merrell was born on September 21, 1929 in Fritchton, IN the son of Floyd L. and Maggie V. (Jones) Bolding.Merrell attended Vincennes schools going to Tecumseh grade school. He worked on the railroad in Chicago, IL, the Vincennes Foundry and hauled coal for Whetzel Brand. He worked for Pomeroy's which later became Packaging Corporation of America for 38 years before retiring. A few years after his retirement he worked part time for Seimans in Princeton, IN as a security guard before they relocated to Peachtree, GA.He served his country in the US Army from 1952-1954 in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict, earning the rank of Corporal. Merrell was a past member of the Indiana Presbyterian Church. He was also a lifetime member of chapter 10 of the DAV, Lifetime member of the VFW and forty year active member of the American Legion Post 73.Merrell enjoyed Saturday night dances with his companion Jean Jones. He rarely met a stranger, enjoyed spending time with and visiting his friends. He spent a lot of good times and had lots of adventures with his ole buddy Frank Schackman of Willow Hill, IL who always played "Strawberry Rone" on the harmonica for him. He loved to play the lottery, always dreaming of hitting it big. He enjoyed feeding the birds, mushroom hunting and doing odd jobs around the farm. Merrell always planted a big garden, sharing the bounty with his friends and family. He lovingly cared for the family pets, Blackie the dog and Tom the cat, both of which he took in as strays. As a child Merrell spent many days with his cousins and grandparents and aunts and uncles in Southern Illinois.Merrell is survived by his companion of twelve years, Jean Jones of Albion, IL; daughter, Beverly McCrary and her husband Mike of Vincennes; twin sons, Randy L. Bolding of Washington, PA and Rick L. Bolding and his wife Brenda of Vincennes; grandchildren, Michelle Grube and her husband David; Melissa Jones and her husband Jacob; Ricky Bolding II, Nicole Bolding, Shae Bolding, great grandchildrten, Dustin McCrary, Tyler Jones, Aspen Jones, London Jones, Madalynn Grube, Mackenzie L. Bolding, Logan Robinson, Grant Stinson, Brayden Seipert, neice, Brenda Darlene Bolding, nephew, Charles Like, as well as several cousins. Preceding Merrell in death were his parents, sister, Juanita Like, brothers, Jack and Charles Bolding and a brother Jimmy Bolding who died in early childhood.Funeral services for Merrell will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 14, 2013 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 524 Broadway, with Rev. John Bopp officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with Merrells family on Sunday, October 13, 2013 from 2-5 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent at www.goodwinfamily.com.