Raymond Allen Merlau, 76, of Greenfield, passed away Monday, January 23, 2017, in Greenfield. He was born on March 24, 1940, a mile east and a mile north of Gem, Ind., as the son of Charles W. and Thelma (Sherwood) Merlau.
He graduated from Mt. Comfort High School in 1958. After high school, he attended Purdue University. He married Donna K. (Hollenbaugh) on March 25, 1962, in Greenfield.
Raymond was a lifelong grain farmer, who was a true steward of the land. Mr. Merlau was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church and Hancock Masonic Lodge #101. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed landscaping his yard.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Donna Merlau of Greenfield; children, Lisa (John) Morgan of Greenfield and Ryan Merlau of Orlando, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Shauna Merlau of Greenfield; sister, Patricia Trout of Greenfield; brother, Charles (Judith) Merlau Jr. of Greenfield; nephew, Bryan Hollenbaugh; grandchildren, Petra (Kyle) Whitesell, Katie (Darius) Guzulaitis, Megan (Jonathan) Cline, Rachel (Michael) Vogt, Zach (Abi) Merlau and Jason (Sarah) Kirlin; great-grandchildren, John David, Gavin, Isaac, Ryn, Elena, Wyatt, Owen, Emma, Grace, Mya, Audrey, Ethan and Hannah; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Thelma Merlau; son, Rodney Merlau; brother, Richard Merlau; and great-grandson, Luke Vogt.
A private funeral service was held on Saturday, January 28. Rev. David Wise officiated. Burial immediately followed at Philadelphia Cemetery in Greenfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 2901 W. 200 N., Greenfield, IN 46140, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com.
Arrangements were handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.
