Merle Keith Neely, 80, of Osceola, passed away at 3:20 am, Friday, April 13, 2012 in his home surrounded by family. Merle was born on June 20, 1931, in Osceola, the son of Guy and Chloe (Girl) Neely. He married Jacqueline (Plummer) Eller on March 1, 1963.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jackie; two sons, Gary Eller of Osceola and Steve Eller of Commerce, MI; three grandchildren, Ashley Eller, Michael Eller, and Kari Gulbranson and two great grandchildren, Makayla and Chloe Gulbranson. He is also survived by his twin brother, Howard Neely of Tucson, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Robert Eller in 2002, granddaughter, Jennifer Eller in 1999, one sister, Dorothy Olson and three brothers, James, Paul and John.
Merle proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1952. He and his brothers owned Neely Brothers Construction for a number of years and most recently, Merle and Jackie owned Neely''s Ceramics. He was a member of the American Legion Post 308 loved to play golf and watching Cubs baseball.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm, Monday, April 16, 2012 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in the funeral home with Chaplain David Howe officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.
Memorial donation may be sent to Heartland Hospice of Mishawaka, 1315 Directors Row, Suite 210, Ft. Wayne, IN 46808.