Merle K. Harting, age 75 of Elwood, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis following a full life of family and friends.  Merle was a lifelong resident of Elwood.  He was born on November 17, 1941 to Howard and Vera Jean Harting in Elwood.  Merle graduated from Elwood High School in 1959 and married the love of his life, Mary Kay Butler, on November 10, 1961. They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage.  There wasn't anything that Merle couldn't or wouldn't do!  He worked at Delco Remy in Anderson for 10 years, farmed most of his life, drove a school bus for over 30 years for Madison-Grant School Corporation, and recently ended 18 years of employment at Red Gold Distribution Center in Orestes.  Merle was also a wonderful woodworker and owned and operated "Hideaway Oak" for many years.  He was involved in the Madison County 4-H livestock programs with his daughters for over 15 years.  He loved the interaction with all of the 4-Hers and their families.  More than anything, Merle was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Merle's family legacy includes his wife, Mary Kay Harting of Elwood; 2 daughters, Lisa (husband Pete) Letsinger of Muncie, and Terena (husband Jim) Pulley of Fairmount; 4 grandchildren, Kyle (wife Mollie) Pulley of Tipton, Lauren (husband David) Wilson of Australia, Kerri (husband Matt) Gilman of Alexandria, and Ashton (husband Phil) Ortman of Greenfield; 2 great-grandchildren, Nolan and Natalie Wilson and 2 more expected this year; 2 brothers, Larry (wife Lois) Harting of Yorktown and David (wife Louise) Harting of Gaston; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service celebrating Merle's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Minister Charlie Soden and Pastor Roy King officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, October 30, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County 4-H through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.