Merle Kenneth Maples

Merle Kenneth Maples, age 80, passed away at his home in Wabash, Indiana, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. 

He was born on April 8, 1938 in Highsplint, Kentucky to the late Victor and Ella (Johnson) Maples. A son of a coal miner, he spent his early years in Harlan County.  Merle served in the United State Air Force from 1956 to 1960.  

Merle started working at Wabash Alloys in 1961.  He worked as the Production Manager for twenty years and retired as the Plant Manager. He spent over 40 hardworking years at Wabash Alloys. 

Merle married his sweetheart, Phyllis Jean Melzoni, on July 16th, 1958, in Marlow, Tennessee.  Together, they had fours sons and one daughter.  He is survived by sons, Merle K. (Lisa) Maples Jr., of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mark K. Maples, of Peru, Indiana, and Matthew K. (Amy) Maples, of Huntington, Indiana; daughter, Melissa (David) Harrell of Clinton, Tennessee; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Maples, his brother, Aurbin Maples and four sisters, Chlola Maples, Freda Mullins, Truma Card and Lana Burchett, and his son, Mitchell K. Maples and grandchild, Mitchell K. Maples, Jr.

Merle was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished.  He will be remembered as a loving father, a patient and supportive "Papaw", and a US Air Force Veteran.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with his friend, former coworker and Pastor Tim Prater officiating the service. Burial will follow immediately at Friends Cemetery in Wabash. 

Visitation hours will be on Monday, February 25, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com.

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