Merlin E. Barrick

Merlin E. Barrick, 74, of Bluffton, passed away at 1:26 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2012 at his home. Merlin was born April 10, 1937 in Uniondale, Indiana to Olive and Millie (Campbell) Barrick. He married Corinna Ann (Thomas) on August 2, 1982 in Bluffton and she survives. Merlin graduated from Lancaster School in 1955 and was a life-long resident of Wells County. He owned and operated Barrick Rentals and Bluffton Vault, Plumbing, Heating, & Electrical Company for numerous years. He was a licensed plumber and electrician. He also worked various part-time jobs over the last several years to occupy his time outside of his rental business i.e., Moser and Sons, Wiegand Construction. Merlin served as a Bluffton Volunteer Fireman for many years. He was a member of the Bluffton Elks Lodge and the First Reformed Church. He enjoyed his family, golfing, and fishing. One of Merlin's greatest passions was working and fixing things. He purchased many homes during his career remodeling and restoring them to sell or rent. Merlin affectionately known as “MEB” enjoyed the company and friendship of many people throughout Wells County and beyond. The Snug Restaurant was a regular morning stop for him catching up on the Bluffton news from the previous day, talking sports (especially IU Basketball and the Indianapolis Colts) and business. Throughout his illness the Bluffton community and support were of great comfort to him. Merlin is also survived by four daughters, Debra Barrick of Bluffton, Diana (Norman) Morin of Crown Point, Indiana, Vicki (Kirt) Byerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Shari (Joe) Barrick of Farmington Hills, Michigan; four step-children, Beverly (Richard) Childers of Austin, Texas, Robert (Stephanie) Brasich of San Diego, California, Nancy Huffman of Wimberly, Texas, David (Laura) Brasich of Marble Falls, Texas; four grandchildren, Alexander Zagrocki, Katherine Elliott, Maxx and Jack Byerly; five step grandchildren, Kelly Childers, Kevin Childers, Christopher Morin, Carly Huffman and Cody Brasich. Merlin was preceded in death by his older sister Evelyn Hanni. Calling hours are 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to services Tuesday at Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home. An Elks memorial service will be conducted by the Bluffton Elks Lodge at 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Dr. Bryson Eugene Bell officiating. Burial will be in Horeb Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the Wells County Foundation or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com.

Merlin E. Barrick

April 10, 1937 - April 5, 2012