Merlin E. Bixler, age 79, of Greenfield, and formerly of Berne, passed away on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at his residence. Merlin was the son of Edwin and Selma (Affolder) Bixler, born on March 10, 1932, in Adams County, Ind. He married Carol (Lehman) on March 15, 1953, who survives.
Merlin was a member of the Trinity Park United Methodist Church in Greenfield. He was the former Berne Chief of Police from 1978-1992. While living in Berne, he was employed at Yager Furniture and Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home for many years. While in Greenfield, he worked for the Kroger Co. until his retirement. For over ten years, he was the Director of the Adams County EMS and was the custodian of the M.R.E. Cemetery, Berne. He was also a Korean Conflict Veteran serving in the US Army.
Survivors include his wife, Carol; son, Randy (Kay) Bixler of LaGrange, Ind.; daughter, Brenda (Bob) Bertsch of Greenfield; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Private family funeral services will be held with burial at the M.R.E. Cemetery, Berne, Ind. Full military rites will be performed at the cemetery by Berne Post #468. Officiating is Pastor Michael Manning.
Memorials may be made to the Greenfield Trinity United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be shared at http://www.yagerkirchhofer.com
