NORTH MANCHESTER – Merrill L. Azbell, 83, North Manchester, died at 8:27 p.m. Dec. 5, 2013, at his residence. He was born March 7, 1930, in Mexico, Ind., to Thurman and Lova Snyder Azbell. On July 10, 1953, in Deedsville, he married Grace Manns, who survives in North Manchester. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Essex Tool & Die in Peru, Ind. He was a “jack of all trades.” He was a member of the North Manchester American Legion and a former member of the Moose Lodge. He loved to play cards, especially euchre, playing every Wednesday at Scout Hall. He also enjoyed playing the organ, piano and guitar. Also surviving are two children, Steve Allan Azbell, Laketon, and Terri Ann Miller, Osceola; six grandchildren: Amy (and spouse Stacy) Azbell-Nice, North Manchester; Jason (and spouse Deanna) Azbell and Marcey Miller, both of Wabash; Martyn Miller, Fort Wayne; Danielle (and spouse Derrik) Azbell-Shennefield and Brigham Azbell, both of Wabash; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wendell (and spouse Carol) Azbell, North Vernon, and Darele (and spouse Carolyn) Azbell, Peru; and a sister, Dollie Ballinger, Rochester. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Rod Azbell; two brothers, Dean Azbell and Maurice Azbell; a sister, Ruth Green; and grandson, Matthew Miller. Services will be held at a later date. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the North Manchester American Legion, 215 E. Main St., North Manchester. ***** Memorials to Scout Hall at North Manchester or the family of Merrill Azbell. Condolences may be sent via www.grandstaff-hentgen.com
