Elgie Richard Merryfield

ELGIE R. MERRYFIELD

Aug. 15, 1930 – April 20, 2024

SOUTH BEND – Elgie Richard Merryfield, 93, of Elkhart and South Bend, died peacefully after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (March 20) at home with his son and caregiver, William. His daughter (Jenny) and family visited him shortly before his death.

He was born Aug. 15, 1930, in Elkhart to Elgie and LaVeta (Brumbaugh) Merryfield. He was a 1948 graduate of Elkhart High School and 1955 Graduate of Acme Tool and Die Design School.

Elgie was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1952, having served 4 years in the Korean war as a chief engineer on the U.S.S. Stoddard. After his service, Dick, as his friends and family knew him, married Margaret Jane (Sidney) Merryfield on July 31st, 1954. He had a long career in the tool and die industry, including many years as supervisor of the design room at Star Machine in Elkhart. He enjoyed watching all sporting events and spent time fishing, golfing, and improving the home he and Margaret shared with their four children.

Elgie is survived by son William Merryfield of South Bend and daughter Jenny (Joseph) Corpe of Norton Shores, Mich.; grandchildren Tana (Justin) Elliott of Argos, Eddie (Laura) Merryfield of Bradenton, Fla., Kurt Merryfield of South Bend, and Jasper Corpe of Norton Shores, Mich.; great-grandchildren Leah (Spencer) Ellis of Angola, Natalie Fager of Nappanee, Sidney, Emma, Rogan and Royce Merryfield of Bradenton, Fla.; Marlee Merryfield of Elkhart; and great-great-granddaughters Kendall Hazelip and newborn Jenna Vandegrift of Nappanee.

Elgie was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pauline Williams, wife Margaret of 61 years, sons James and Jay Merryfield and great-grandson Luke Fager.

A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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