Merrill C. Voorhis, 94, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012 at his Indianapolis home. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Alice Voorhis (Indianapolis), his daughter Cheryl Shorr (Indianapolis), his daughter-in-law Mary June Voorhis (Abilene, TX), 4 grandchildren [Kevin Voorhis (Westfield), Brian Voorhis (Noblesville), Don Voorhis (Taylor, TX) and Deborah Hinton (Abilene, TX)], and 9 great-grandchildren (Indiana and Texas). He was preceded in death by sons Merrill Edward Voorhis and Larry Voorhis, daughter-in-law Judy Voorhis, and grandson Doug Voorhis.

Merrill was born in Chilson, Michigan on September 4, 1917 to Charles A. Voorhis and Jeanette (Paddock) Voorhis. He moved to Indianapolis as a child. He graduated from Tech High School in 1938. At the age of 15, he began working at American Aggregates Quarry in Indianapolis, and retired after 48 years of dedicated service in 1983. He married Alice Jacobs of Indianapolis on July 14, 1939 in Greenfield. After Pearl Harbor, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II from 1944-1946 as an electrician.

Merrill enjoyed many hobbies including bowling, fishing, gardening and horticulture. He was an accomplished handy-man and enjoyed fixing things around the house. He had a passion for watching sports on TV and was a loyal Colts and Pacers fan. He had an amazing gift of price-comparisons, and was an avid shopper of Meijer, claiming “if it’s not from Meijer, it’s probably not worth buying”.

Merrill touched many lives and will fondly be remembered as a kind, gentle man who never raised his voice at people. He was the family patriarch, and will be greatly missed by those who love him. May he rest in peace.

Services will be private for the family. Interment will be at Union Chapel Cemetery in Indianapolis.