Merrell E. Webster, 72, Versailles

 Merrell E. Webster, 72, of Versailles passed away at 12:40pm, Saturday, September 15, 2018 at his home. He was born at home on Plum Creek near Vevay in Switzerland County on December 11, 1945 the son of Melvin and Edna Scudder Webster. He was married to Jeraldine Otte on September 16, 1965 and his wife of 53 years survives. Other survivors include one son Michael (Sally) Webster of Versailles; one daughter Marsha (Tad) Brinson of Versailles; six grandchildren Erin (Jay) Hooten of Versailles, Sarah (Kevin) Swinney of Versailles, Emily (Levi) Speer of Holton, Jacob Brinson of Holton, Kelsey Brinson of Cleves, Ohio, and Abby Brinson of Versailles; 4 great-grandchildren; one sister Martha Riley of Madison; sister-in-law Millie Webster of Osgood and brother-in-law Tom Riley of Osgood. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Damon Webster. Mr. Webster was a 1965 graduate of Cross Plains High School. Merrell played for the Wildcats basketball team and was named to the Ripley County all-star team his senior year. He was a former employee of Cummins Engine in Columbus, Bruns-Gutzwiller Construction in Batesville, and had also worked for Berry Materials in Versailles. Merrell also drove a bus for the South Ripley Schools and served four years on the South Ripley School Board, but his main occupation was being a farmer. He enjoyed rabbit hunting as well as fishing and was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and the Kentucky Wildcats. Merrell served six years with the US Army Reserves and was also a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Olean. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 19th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman, minister of the Versailles Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at Olean. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Cemetery in care of the funeral home.