Merlin D. "Mert" Sampson, 86 of La Porte, IN, passed away Friday, November 16, 2012 at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born September 19, 1926 in LaPorte, son of Russell and Goldie Fuller Sampson. He married Mary Utnehmer who preceded him in death, then married Barbara Day on July 24, 1953 who also preceded him in death.
Surviving are his children, Maria (Tim) Troyer of Windsor, CO, Jim (Terry) Sampson of Cassopolis, MI, Margo (Tim) Dishman, of LaPorte, Missy (Paul) Ford of Tinton Falls, NJ.; grandchildren, Matthew and Miles Harding, and Jessica and Brandan Ford; great grand child, Kendall Harding; brother Allen Short.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Grace Keene.
He was retired from Accurate Castings, LaPorte, as a Patternmaker. He continued consulting for the company during his retirement. He honorably served his country in the United Stated Army during WWII; serving in the Philippines and Europe. A 50 year member of American Legion Post 83; Past member of the Drum and Bugle Corp; A Founding Father of Northern Indiana Model Airplanes, building and flying many model planes. He also had a great love of music and fishing.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11 A.M. Tuesday, November 20, 2012 with Rev. Evan Lash officiating at the Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte IN. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 10-11 A.M. Tuesday.
Contributions may be made to the LaPorte Kiwanis Club.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.