Merle B. Sears

Merle Boyd Sears was born on August 10, 1931 in Fayetteville, Indiana. He passed away on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the age of 84. Merle was the son of Pastol F. Sears and Lucille (Boyd) Sears. He grew up in the Fayetteville and Bedford, Indiana area. He was a graduate of Fayetteville High School where he played on the school’s basketball team and ran track. While delivering Coca-Cola to Bedford stores, he saw Radonna Carolyn Box working in a jewelry store. He introduced himself and they married on August 31, 1950. Merle served a short time in the Indiana National Guard and spent time training in Camp Grayling in Michigan. In 1958 Merle and Radonna moved to Mooresville, Indiana and opened the Merle Sears Heating and Air Conditioning business in 1961. They operated the business on Main Street in Mooresville before retiring and selling the business in 1991. During his years in business, Merle developed a reputation for being trustworthy, honest, and dependable businessman. His business was well respected throughout the central Indiana area. Merle and Radonna were fortunate to be able to travel to Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and throughout North America because of their connections with the Carrier Corporation.

Merle was a hobby farmer who at one time had more than 150 acres southwest of Mooresville. He farmed corn and soybeans. However, his pride and joy were his black angus cows.
Merle loved the Lord and followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by becoming an elder in the Church of Christ. Merle was active in serving the Lord. He taught Bible classes, offered invitations, participated in all phases of worship and occasionally preached sermons when needed. His calm and reassuring behavior offered counsel to many in the church. He served many years before health concerns caused him to step down from the eldership. Merle remained faithful to the Lord and was a faithful member of the Plainfield Church of Christ.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lois, his brothers James and Paul Freed. Merle is survived by his wife of 65 years, Radonna, his daughter, Deborah (Larry) Schneider, a son Merle Dana (Kathy) Sears, and another daughter, Dietra (Tony) Bean. His is also survived by his grandchildren, Megan, Jocelyn, and Blair Schneider, Joshua and Katy Sears, and Andrew and Alex Bean. Merle has 2 great grandchildren, Maddie and Leo Bean.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Monday, November 23 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the chapel Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24 at the funeral home. Merle will be laid to rest in the Fayetteville Community Cemetery in Fayetteville, Indiana where a committal service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Merle’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.Com to share a favorite memory with Merle’s family, view his Life Tribute video and sign the online guest registry.