Merlyn D. Place 77, of Olivet died on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Borgess Medical Center following a short illness.
Merlyn was born on July 30, 1941 in Springport to Howard and Twila (Greenslade) Place. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1959. On September 18, 1966 he married Sandra K. Faulkner in Olivet. She preceded him in death on September 8, 2018.
Merlyn worked for the Eaton Company in Marshall for over 30 years. After he retired, he was the Sexton at Bosworth Cemetery in Walton Township for over ten years. Merlyn was a supporter of the Olivet Athletic Boosters and the National Rifle Association. He was an avid bowler and golfer and took part in several different leagues in the area. Merlyn also had a passion for drag racing and would race at several tracks in the area, but he enjoyed being at the Onondaga Race Track. He enjoyed collecting steins, and he was a fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Michigan State Spartans.
He is survived by his children Brian (Stacey) Place of Charlotte and Amy (Michael) Gancasz of Royersford, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Tom Moran, McKenna Place, Nolan Gancasz, and Riley Gancasz; sisters, Norma Jean Cribley, of Eaton Rapids, Sheila (Richard) Heisler of Olivet, brothers: Robert (Darlene) of Lakeview, Ronald (Laura) of Battle Creek, Daryl (Shirley) of Olivet and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister Zelmadene McHaney; and brothers Herrold, Phillip, and Kevin.
Family will greet friends from 3-5pm on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US 27 North with a funeral service taking place at 5pm with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. Family will gather with friends following the service in the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Reception Hall. Family requests memorial contributions to Walton Township for a memorial bench to be placed in the cemetery in memorial of Merlyn and Sandra Place. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.
Visitation
JUL
17.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT)
Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
723 US HWY 27 North
Marshall, MI, 49068
Luncheon Immediately Following Services
JUL
17.
6:00 PM (EDT)
Kempf Family Reception Hall, Marshall Chapel
723 US HWY 27 N.
Marshall, MI, 49068