Merle Lee Pherson, 87, of Monticello, Indiana, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in the White Oak Health Campus Assisted Living, with his loving family by his side.

Merle was born on Saturday, May 15, 1937, in White County, Indiana to Clarence A. Pherson and Mary Gladys (Elston) Pherson.  They preceded him in death.

On Sunday, January 12, 1958, in Monticello, Indiana in the Zion Bethel Church he married the love of his life Bettie Lea Brown.  She died on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Merle was born and raised in White County, Indiana. He spent his entire life in the Monticello area.  He was a Buffalo High School Graduate and served in the United States Army for two years.  After returning home Merle went to work spending most of his life in manufacturing.  He worked for Globe Valve, Winamac Steel, and A.O. Smith retiring in January 2001, after 41 years of material management and purchasing. Merle was a member of the Monticello Christian Church.  Merle was known for his kind heart and touching the lives of so many in the White County area.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and loving his Lord first and foremost.  Merle passed this off to his children, grandchildren, and everyone he met.  Merle always said, "Everyone has a purpose; find yours".

Merle is survived by his sons, Shawn (wife Sharon) Pherson of Monticello, Indiana, Patrick (wife Marye) Pherson of Kennesaw, Georgia, and Michael Pherson of Naples, Florida, four (4) grandsons, one (1) granddaughter, and eight (8) great-grandchildren, one (1) brother, Vernon Pherson of Pinehurst, North Carlonia, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Gladys (Elston) Pherson, wife Bettie Lea (Brown) Pherson, daughter, Melissa Pherson, sister, Mary Ruth Wyant.

Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the I.O.O.F. Riverview Cemetery of rural Monticello, Indiana with Pastor Benji Riddle officiating.

Memorial donations may be given to Courage Rock Stables (5622 N. E. Shafer Dr. Monticello, IN 47960).  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or can be mailed to 601 Gordon Rd., Monticello, Indiana, 47960 C/O Pherson family.

Deibels Funeral Home is honored and blessed to be assisting the family.