Merrill V. Clevenger, 85, of Muncie, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 31,1940, to Lawrence (Jobe) and Josephine (Parsons) Clevenger in New Castle, Indiana.

They soon moved to Muncie where Merrill graduated from Muncie Central High School and then attended Ball State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and was a longtime member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served three years in the United States Army in the Army Security Agency in Washington D.C. and Kagnew Station in Eritrea, East Africa. Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he began his 40 year career with Merchants National Bank, now known as First Merchants Bank, where he met his beloved wife of 59 years, Sandy (Rahe) Clevenger.

Merrill loved to organize his den and tinker around in the garage. He spent time building models and listening to music and old time radio shows. Above all, he most enjoyed spending time with his family. His most treasured titles were husband, dad, and grandpa.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy (Rahe); children, Bill (Lorie) Clevenger of Muncie and Jennifer (Jon) Bolen of Indianapolis; brothers David Clevenger of Las Vegas, Nevada and James Clevenger of Holland, Michigan; grandchildren Samantha (Ian) Shaw of Columbus, Emily Clevenger (fiancé Jack Hart) of Muncie, Elizabeth Clevenger of Muncie, and Josephine Bolen of Indianapolis; great granddaughter Lilian Shaw; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jobe and Josephine Clevenger.

Honoring Merrill’s request, there will be a private viewing and graveside service at Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and Awareness in memory of Merrill’s mother, Josephine Clevenger, and sisters-in-law, Marcia Clevenger and Mari Clevenger.

Payable to “METAvivor, Inc.”

METAvivor

7780 Elmwood Ave, Suite 130

Middleton, WI 53562

Or visit www.metavivor.org

The family wishes to thank the staff of Muncie Estates and Southern Care Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and loving care.

Merrill lived his life guided by the words of Abraham Lincoln: “I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came.”