Dayton Wilson Merrell
Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Dayton Wilson Merrell, 88, was born on October 6, 1937 in Kokomo, Indiana and went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was the first born son of Russell Dayton and Sarah Kathryn (Wilson) Merrell. On September 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to Janet Elaine Chambers at Upper Deer Creek Church, and recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Dayton and Janet were faithful members of UDC throughout their lives. Dayton served as Sunday School teacher for many years, as well as Superintendent. He also served in various other roles as trustee, chairman of the building committee, chairman of the church board, deacon, and elder. Dayton sang in the church choir and played in the English Handbell choir.
He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1955, where he played on the baseball team as well as the basketball team, winning the school’s first basketball sectional in 1955. Athletics have always been a special part of his life, and Dayton enjoyed following many athletes through each season.
In 2008, he received the Northwestern Distinguished Alumni award in recognition of deeds, leadership, and character. Dayton was also inducted into the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of significant contributions to the athletic programs. He was influential in helping create the term, “Tiger Tradition of Excellence” and was a lifelong supporter of all Northwestern Athletics.
Dayton served in the National Guard for 8 years. He was a farmer of corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as a hog farmer. God blessed Dayton as a lifelong farmer, and he hoped to leave the land better than when he found it.
Dayton served for 14 years as a member of the Excel Co-op Board of Directors, followed by 3 years as a member of the National Land O’ Lakes Board of Directors based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also served on the Howard County Soil and Water Board of Directors, as well as being awarded as a Master Farmer for the state of Indiana in 1999.
Dayton is survived by his wife, Janet, along with 3 children, Ted (Jean) Merrell, Terry (Nieta) Merrell, and Teena (Steve) Wallace;
11 grandchildren: Katie (Dustin) Smith, Blake (Alyssa) Merrell, Brayden (Lauren) Merrell, Karson (Abby) Merrell, Dustin (Briyanni) Merrell, Kira Archer, Karlie (Rob) Wright, Klair (Nolan) Mader, Lydia Wallace, Mia (Carter) Taylor, Ella (fiancé, Tyler Ballinger) Wallace;
15 great-grandchildren: Addy, Cam and Cole Smith, Blakely and Chandler Merrell, Maea, Christian and Maison Merrell, Lucas, Maddie and Mollie Merrell, Brinley, Kasynn and Brecken Merrell, and Rush Wright, with two more due in 2026. Dayton enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow throughout the years in the classroom, in activities and sports. Most of all, his greatest joy was watching members of his family come to know and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Dayton was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Kathyrn Merrell, sister, Joyce Cook of Kokomo and niece, Piper Placencia of Garrett, IN. He is survived by his brother, Gary (Ruth) Merrell of Fort Wayne, brother-in-law, Royce (Karen) Chambers of Galveston, brother-in-law, Jerry Cook of Kokomo, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Dayton requested that donations be made to Upper Deer Creek Church or Cross America https://crossamerica.net/donate/. He was anticipating the glorious day when he could finally see Jesus and thank Him for the suffering He endured on the cross for us. Services will be held at Upper Deer Creek Church, 5019 East 1400 South, Galveston, IN 46932. Visitation will be Saturday, January 10 from 9:00-2:00 with the funeral following at 2:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Pastor Joe Coffin and Pastor Mark Davis.
Murray-Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Merrell Family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com