Walter Merrill Taylor

Walter Merrill Taylor, age 84, of Elwood, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Merrill was born in Wabash, IN, on June 5, 1940, to the late Dale Taylor and Wanita "Jean" (Harvey) Rittenhouse. On October 19, 1958, Merrill married the love of his life, Lela Blackford, and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage until her passing.

Merrill had a distinguished career. He started working out of high school at Marsh Supermarkets and held several positions throughout the company during his 50 years of employment; he ended his tenure in Marsh's upper management. One of Merrill's major accomplishments was setting up a Marsh Supermarket in India. After retiring from Marsh, Merrill decided to go into public service and was elected Mayor of Elwood for 8 years. Following his two mayoral terms, he was a Reserve Police Officer for the city. In his retirement, Merrill also purchased Burger's Dairy which he rebranded as Taylor's Dairy.

Merrill was an active member of the Elwood Elks, Elwood Optimist Club, and First Baptist Church. He cherished his time on the golf course, his involvement in community service, and his love for traveling with Lela. Merrill was known for his social nature and loved everyone in his life. He was an avid golfer and could often be found bowling at Wells Lanes, and made many memories at Taylor's Dairy. Out of Merrill's many accomplishments, the one he cherished most was his family. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and there was nothing more important to Merrill than his family.

Merrill is survived by his daughter, Robin Jean (Kevin) Melvin of Elwood, IN; sons, Todd Allen (Jill) Taylor of Elwood, IN, and Matthew Joe (Aakami) Taylor of Elwood, IN; grandchildren, Brandon (Laura) Melvin of Frankton, IN, Sara Gregg of Elwood, IN, Michael (Erica) Melvin of North Captiva, FL, Lacy (Bryan) Leisure of Alexandria, IN, Corby (Kevin) York of San Francisco, CA, Devin (Trinity) York of Pendleton, IN, Molly (Robbie) Bess of Alexandria, IN, Zachary (significant other, Kendall) Taylor of Elwood, IN, Austin (Angie) Taylor of Anderson, IN, and Elliott (Brandi) Taylor of Bowling Green, KY; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Sheryl (Denny) Richwine of Anderson, IN; aunt, Patricia Caudill of Silver Lake, IN; several nieces and nephews; daughter-in-law, Donna Taylor; special friend and caretaker Amy Clark; and several close friends.

Merrill was preceded in death by his wife, Lela Taylor, and great-grandson, Lincoln Matthew Taylor.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson Street, Elwood, Indiana.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 am Friday, August 16, 2024, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood, Indiana with Rich Leavell officiating.

Burial will follow in the Elwood Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the City of Elwood Parks Department.

Online condolences can be shared at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com