Merril “Doc” Strough, 85, of Pendleton, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 at home. He was born on Nov. 22, 1926, in Middletown to the late Estes and Gladys (Hewitt) Strough.
Mr. Strough graduated from Markleville High School in 1945. He entered the U.S. Army on April 12, 1945, and was honorably discharged on Oct. 8, 1946. He was an auto mechanic for 65 years, beginning his career at T.D. Coridan Company in Fortville. He was active on the Fortville Fire Department and also helped coach the Ecoff Trucking Little League team. He was a member of Fortville Lodge No. 207 F. & A.M.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Alice (Hunter) Strough; sons Richard (Gwen) of Fortville and Ronald (Terre) of McCordsville; daughters Rita and Rebecca of Pendleton; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother Clinton (Martina) of Hayesville, NC; sister Jenny Mitchell of Fortville; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Basil, Lloyd and Oliver; and sisters, Ogle and Georgiana.
A calling will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville. Masonic memorial rites will be conducted immediately prior to the funeral service which will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Dr. Reverend Karen Altergott of Fortville First United Methodist Church will be officiating. Burial with full military graveside rites will immediately follow at Gravel Lawn Cemetery, Fortville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fortville Community Sharing. Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com.
